4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item An Impact of Destination Marketing and Smart Tourism Applications on Tourist’s Visit Intentions to Southern Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Steenkamp, Sherilee; Zulu, MelissaSouth Africa, a leading economy in Africa, faces challenges in its tourism sector despite its critical role in economic growth and employment. This study addresses the impact of destination marketing, focusing on digital marketing and user-generated content, and smart tourism applications like smart sightseeing, on tourists' visit intentions in Southern Africa. Using a quantitative approach with an online questionnaire administered to 402 international participants, the research investigates how these factors influence perceived destination image, attitude, and subjective norms. Findings reveal that digital marketing significantly enhances perceived destination image, which in turn positively affects tourists' attitudes. Familiarity also plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes, supporting existing theories on mere exposure. Moreover, attitude directly correlates with visit intention, supporting the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Subjective norms moderate this relationship, underscoring the influence of social approval on tourists' behavioural intentions. This study contributes insights into enhancing destination marketing and smart tourism strategies to strengthen Southern Africa's tourism sector.Item Managing health and safety in South Africa’s renewable energy power plants(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Sloan, Mark JamesThe study explores the suitability of the South African Occupational Health and Safety Act Number 85 of 1993 (OHS Act) and its Regulations in their ability to appropriately support the management of people from hazards to health and safety within utility-scale renewable energy (RE) power plants in South Africa. The study includes the country’s three leading RE technologies that are in-service and connected to the national electrification grid, covering solar photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP) and wind power plants. Semi-structured interviews are used to collect the opinions and experiences of respondents. Each power plant’s operations are assessed from a health and safety hazard management perspective. This is followed by an evaluation of the OHS Act and its Regulations to determine their suitability in appropriately supporting the management of their fundamental intention of ensuring health and safety within solar PV, CSP and wind power plants. The study shows that these RE power plants do not present any health and safety hazards unique to these sectors under normal operating conditions. However, it does highlight several areas where the OHS Act and its Regulations are not entirely appropriate in managing people from hazards to health and safety within these RE power plants. The study identifies the importance of continually maintaining the OHS Act and its Regulations in line with technological advancements.Item HbA1c Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Coronary Artery Disease(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Mhlaba, Lona; Tsabedze, Nqoba; Mpanya, DineoBackground: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have an increased risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. These patients require optimal glucose control to prevent the progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Current guideline recommendations target an HbA1c ≤7% to mitigate this risk. This study evaluated the level of HbA1c control in T2DM patients with CAD. Methods: This retrospective study assessed consecutive patients who presented with CAD to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) between April 2017 and December 2019. The study included T2DM patients on anti-diabetic medication with angiographically confirmed CAD. HbA1c control was assessed using the HbA1c level measured at the index presentation and during the most recent follow-up visit. Results: The study population comprised 262 T2DM patients with a mean age was 61.3 ±10.4 years. Among the T2DM patients, 188 (71.8%) were males. At index presentation, 110 (42.1%) T2DM patients presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 69 (26.4%) had non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 43 (16.5%) had unstable angina, and 39 (14.9%) had stable angina. The baseline median systolic blood pressure was higher in patients with an HbA1c ≤7% [136 mmHg (Interquartile range (IQR): 117-151) vs 124 mmHg (IQR: 112-142), p= 0.0121], compared to those with an HbA1c level above 7%. Furthermore, T2DM with an HbA1c ≤7% also had a higher median diastolic blood pressure [85 mmHg (IQR: 75.5-97) vs 78 mmHg (IQR: 71-88), p=0.0205]. After a median follow-up of 16.5 months (IQR: 7-29), 28.7% of the study participants had an HbA1c ≤7%. On multivariable regression analysis, patients with ST-segment depression on the resting electrocardiogram and index presentation had optimal glycaemic control (Odds ratio: 0.27, CI: 0.12-0.59, p= 0.001). Conclusion: After a median follow-up duration of 16.5 months, only 28.7% of T2DM patients with CAD had optimal glycaemic control. This finding underscores the substantial unmet need for optimal diabetes control in this very high-risk group.Item The influence of Entrepreneurial Capital on the performance of subcontracting SMMEs in Gauteng, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2019-03) Rampa, Mmatsatsi; Galawe, JabulileThis study explores the prospect of entrepreneurial capital in stimulating SMME performance. It seeks to investigate the use of non-financial capital (entrepreneurial capital) in SMMEs registered under the CIDB, in the general building sector, and its influence on SMME performance. It unpacks the two dimensions of entrepreneurial capital which are entrepreneurial commitment and entrepreneurial competence. This study is a quantitative research, based on a positivism research paradigm. The survey structured research instrument was collected using Qualtrics. The primary data, with a sample size of 377, was distributed using emails and was consolidated via Qualtrics. The data analysis and interpretation was based on descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, exploratory analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. The study was initially designed to analyse the two dimensions (entrepreneurial competence and commitment) collectively with their antecedents (opportunity, relationship, conceptual, organising and strategic competencies); and (normative, continuous and affective commitment) respectively. The survey findings could not converge into a clear multi-dimensional factor structure for each construct. Hence the analysis could only be undertaken at the dimensions level without breaking them down any further into their sub-sets. Entrepreneurial competence was the only one of the two that emerged as the statistically significant predictor of SMME performance. However, both dimensions had a positive influence with business performance, though entrepreneurial commitments’ influence was weak and not statistically significant. SMME owners/managers should continuously advance and assess their specific entrepreneurial competence in order to positively influence their business performance. Policy makers, training and support programmes should align content to specific entrepreneurial competence.Item Effective use of payment gateways by travel and tourism SMEs in Gauteng(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sithole, Vulani; Kalema, Billy MathiasThis study aimed to determine the effective use of payment gateways by travel and tourism Small and Medium Enterprises and to design a framework that will inform the effective use of payment gateways in Gauteng, South Africa. This study was a survey in design and followed a positivism paradigm utilizing a quantitative approach, and was underpinned by the Technology, Organisation, Environment model. The study used a sample of 297 participants randomly selected from the travel and tourism in Gauteng province. The study's findings show that, with the exception of technology characteristics and environmental factors, all other constructs positively contribute to the overall prediction of the model. The study recommends that SMEs in the travel and tourism sector in South Africa embrace and make use of the proposed framework to reap the rewards offered by payment gateways.Item Enterprise Identity for Public Service Pensions Fund, Eswatini(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Simelane, Makhosazana; Zulu, MelisaThe past years have shown a lot of organisations evolving and paying identity to their corporate identity. These organisations have responded to the demands of setting themselves apart from the competition and this has resulted in a competitive strategy. Organisations that have embraced corporate identity have shown to have direction and purpose. The study aims to investigate the corporate identity of the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) in Eswatini. To attain its goal, the study employed three objectives, namely, investigate brand logo, website, social media, advertising on social media, brand identification on corporate identity and in turn internal customer satisfaction. Investigate how the Public Service Pensions Fund can remain distinct from its marketplace competitor. Investigate the influence of internal marketing determinants on internal customer satisfaction. For this research a quantitative method was used and a survey that was self-administered was also used. A sample size of 150 was executed and a 5-point Likert scale was used for this purposive sampling. The findings uncover that website, advertising on social media and brand identification positively influence corporate identity. Brand logo and social media were found not to influence corporate identity. The study also revealed that corporate identity does not significantly impact internal customer satisfaction. Internal marketing determinants were found to positively influence internal customer satisfaction. This research study aims to fill a gap both academically and practically in Eswatini by assisting PSPF’s internal and external stakeholders understand the corporate identity of the Public Service Pensions Fund and for PSPF to come up with corporate identity strategies, which would assist the organisation align with and strengthen.Item The Barriers to Adoption of a Cashless Economy in the South African Agri Market: A Consumer`s Perspective(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Siakam, Stallone; Budree, AdheeshThe agricultural sector can play a crucial role in driving South Africa’s economy. However, this sector only contributes less than 3% to the country’s GDP. A part of this low performance can be attributed to challenges faced by small-scale. The wholesale market generally dictates unfavourable prices for farmers’ produce, and long-term payback periods that negatively affects farmers’ ability to sustain their operations. In recent years, the integration of digital technology such as electronic commerce (ecommerce) in agriculture globally has emerged as a promising solution to improving agricultural yields and impact to a country’s economy. In the case of South Africa, ecommerce can be the solution to alleviate challenges faced by small scale farmers to improve their ability to sustain farming operations. This research explores which ecommerce features an Agri-Based ecommerce platform should have to encourage and facilitate direct transactions between farmers and consumers, with a focus on the sale of fresh produce. The study employs a quantitative approach through an online survey requesting participants to rate the level of importance ecommerce features have on their intention to purchase fresh produce online. The Theory of Affordance served as the conceptual framework. The research findings reveal that the visual and descriptive presentation of produce, website aesthetics and ease of navigation, availability of multiple payment methods, customers support information and channels, store reviews and rating scores, and same day delivery features are crucial for an Agriculture Ecommerce platform to drive fresh produce sales online for farmers. The introduction of a uniform online Agri marketplace, or individual fresh produce online stores, can improve the ability for fresh produce farmers to improve their operations profitability and sustainability, and therefore overall food security for South Africa.Item Manufacturers’ Perspectives: Overcoming barriers and unlocking solutions for battery manufacturing in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Shantikumar, Ravisha; Mathetsa, StevenThe global energy sector is transitioning towards sustainable sources. South Africa, a country heavily reliant on coal for its energy needs, faces myriad challenges compounded by persistent electricity shortages. These shortages have widespread negative economic impacts, prompting the exploration of technological solutions such as battery energy storage systems (BESS). Adoption of BESS is on the rise in South Africa. However, the country is still heavily reliant on imports for battery storage systems. This study sought to explore the barriers and solutions for the manufacture of BESS in South Africa, thus contribute to the rapid implementation of these systems in the energy sector. A qualitative approach was employed, including collecting insights from key energy sector role players, among them, representatives of global battery cell manufacturers and local battery assembly companies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants from global electro-chemical battery manufacturers, two from BESS assembly companies operating in South Africa, and seven key local stakeholders such as policymakers, and representatives of research institutes, and a financial institution. Thematic analysis of these interviews revealed that, first, battery energy storage systems present substantial opportunities for South Africa. Second, localising battery manufacturing could enhance grid stability, renewable energy integration, job creation, and economic growth. The study identified key barriers to local battery manufacturing. These include market, financial, technology, and policy barriers, and a lack of skills and international partnerships specific to South Africa. To address these barriers, the study suggests fostering strong partnerships between government and battery manufacturers, sound policy development and implementation, manufacturing incentives, tariff reforms, and regional demand validation. Key considerations for battery manufacturers entering new markets like South Africa include market entry challenges, cost competitiveness, intellectual property protection, infrastructure improvements, access to raw materials, and government support. The study revealed that government leadership is crucial for developing the ii battery manufacturing industry in South Africa. Stimulating domestic demand for electric vehicles, developing mineral refining capabilities, and fostering government-industry partnerships are recommended to capitalise on market potential and industry growth. These findings complement existing literature and highlight factors unique to the South African context, as perceived by stakeholders within the battery industryItem Predicting Systematic Risk Using Artificial Neural Networks(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Setloboko, Thabiso; Alovokpinhou, Sedjro AaronFinancial institutions and investors are always investigating mathematical models that can enable them to make accurate predictions of time varying variables. For the longest time, statistical and autoregressive models have been at the forefront of forecasting. However, these are only accurate in short horizons; that is, these models are more accurate in daily, weekly, and monthly forecasts. This paper seeks to investigate long-horizon (yearly) forecasts using machine learning models called Artificial Neural Networks. The network uses neurons similar to biological neurons in living things, allowing them to study complex data patterns and retain pattern behaviors that allow them to make accurate predictions. The paper is based on the novel discovery that in forecasting long-horizon time series data, neural networks outperform statistical models significantly. The paper uses market data from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange to represent the emerging and advanced markets, respectively. The forecasted data involves pre and post COVID-19. The shock introduced by the coronavirus is investigated to check if the forecasting ability of the model is affected. The empirical results demonstrate that the models accurately forecast systematic risk in the South African market more than in the American market. The accuracy of the model is measured by using root mean square error and mean absolute error. The model produced low error values for both markets, indicating their effectiveness in forecasting. It was expected that the error measures would consistently get lower as the time horizon increased; however, there were inconsistencies. For a portfolio manager, the results obtained in this research are interesting because the model handles large quantities of data and forecasts long-horizon systematic risk with little error. However, further investigation on this model still needs to be done.Item The use of social media to drive the growth of South African brands(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Reddy, Nishanta; Budree, AdheeshThe proliferation of social media usage has coincided with the expansion of social media marketing efforts. However, the mere escalation in social media activity does not uniformly translate into user interaction or engagement with advertisements disseminated through these platforms. Consequently, it becomes imperative to scrutinize the determinants of engagement and discern how such engagement can impact the development of indigenous South African brands. Existing scholarly literature offers limited insights into the factors underpinning social media brand engagement and the resultant effects on the advancement of local brands within the South African market. This research aims to augment the Customer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE) model with the aim of delineating the catalysts propelling engagement with social media brands and investigating the ramifications of such engagement on the performance metrics of domestic brands. Employing a quantitative methodology, the study leveraged an online survey to solicit responses from 272 South African social media users. The findings underscore that the principal determinants of social media brand engagement encompass entertainment value, brand resonance, informativeness, and social influence. Furthermore, the analysis reveals those interactions with brand advertisements on social media platforms bolster purchase intent, thereby fostering an amelioration in brand performance metrics. This emphasizes the pivotal role played by social media platforms in fostering the growth of local brands in South Africa. Consequently, social media engagement emerges as a pivotal determinant shaping the trajectory of growth and performance for local brands, underscoring the imperative of deploying strategic social media marketing initiatives tailored to the specificities of the South African market landscape.