4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item Assessing the Interface between Natural Resources, Salafi–Jihādi, and Extremist Groups in Africa since 2009: The Case of Chad and Mozambique(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Zicina, Siyakudumisa; Small, MichelleThe catastrophic Salafi–Jihādi attacks of September 11th, 2001, marked the beginning of a vicious cycle of violent extremism across Africa. Since then, Salafi–Jihādi movements in the continent have proliferated in ways unimaginable: from the Sahel, Horn of Africa to Southern Africa. Qualitatively designed, this study examines causal variables that allowed resource-rich African countries to be incubators of Salafi–Jihādi extremism. This inquest is guided by the following research question: what role does Salafi–Jihādi play in starting, perpetuating, and sustaining armed conflict in resource rich states? Thus it explores how Salafi–Jihādi, local extremist groups and the presence/absence of natural resources motivates violent extremism. This investigation theoretically isolates the ‘greed-vs-grievance theory’, instead it aligns itself with the social movement theory to examine conflict in southern Chad and northern Mozambique. This means that other than leaning on a theory that explains the causes of intrastate conflict through the greed-grievance narrative, this study reconsiders the approach in light of insights gleaned from behavioural theories, in particular, the social movement theory (SMT). Thus, the study embraces a theory that seeks to explain why social mobilization manifests (Salafi–Jihādi extremism) maintaining that the SMT provides an interdisciplinary understanding of the causes, dynamics, and nature of intrastate conflict. Other than offering similar but different causal variables, this study finds that the outcome variable – Salafi–Jihādi extremism in Africa materialises from different paths. Variables of ideology, natural resources (scarcity/abundance), illicit activities, foreign actors (colonial powers/private military actors/transnational Salafi–Jihādi groups) and domestic socio-histographies (past-in-the present) were significant factors that resulted into glocal conflicts (expansionism/ separatism) in Chad and Mozambique. In spite of the findings, the study infers that Salafi–Jihādi extremisms within the African continent are movements that occur on the basis of equifinality. The study recommends for dismantling colonial continuities, promotion of good governance, religious coexistence, and youth empowerment.Item Unpacking the Lived Experience of High-Income Female Earners in Romantic Relationships(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ntshalintshali, Silindile Noxolo; Booth, LyndallThis study explores the complex interconnection between financial power and traditional gender roles faced by high-income women in South Africa. It emphasises the need for nuanced approaches to address internalised beliefs and advocate for societal change. The research highlights the interplay of financial factors, familial dynamics, and cultural norms on relationships. The research aims to explore the experiences of economically empowered women and the interplay between their financial power and traditional gender roles as well as understand the ramifications of gender ideologies on dual-income heterosexual relationships in South Africa. Qualitative research methods were used to capture diverse narratives and perspectives. Women in the study expressed a desire for their partners to have better financial positions, indicating a preference for conventional gender roles. Despite efforts to empower women economically, societal attitudes towards high-income earning women are still shaped by internalised beliefs about gender roles.Item Flexible work arrangements, work-family conflict, and gender-role beliefs(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Paulser, TashanaAs the world of work continues to change and evolve, organisations have increasingly adopted flexible work arrangements which have affected the way in which many do their work. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between different types of flexible work arrangements and work-family conflict and the relationships between gender-role beliefs at home and at work and work-family conflict, as well as whether gender-role beliefs at home and at work moderated the relationships between flexible work arrangements and work-family conflict. A quantitative, non-experimental, correlational, and cross-sectional research design was used in the study. The sample consisted of 85 individuals employed in South African organisations who filled out an online survey consisting of several questionnaires. Flexible work arrangements were assessed using a self-developed Flexible Work Arrangements Scale that included the Workplace Flexibility Scale (Halinski & Duxbury, 2020). Work-family conflict was assessed using the Work-Family Conflict Scale that was developed by Carlson et al. (2000). Gendered domestic roles were assessed using a sub-scale of the patriarchal Beliefs Scale that was developed by Yoon et al. (2015), which was used to measure gender-role beliefs in the home environment. Beliefs about women at work were measured using an adapted version of the Stereotype Beliefs about Women Managers that was developed by Moore et al. (2004). Analyses included Cronbach Alpha coefficients, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical moderated multiple regression. The results revealed that overall work-family conflict was not significantly related to and was not significantly predicted by flexi-time and flexi-place flexibility, but it was significantly and negatively related to and was significantly predicted by both proactive flexibility and reactive flexibility. Overall work-family conflict was not significantly related to and was not significantly predicted by either gendered domestic role beliefs or beliefs about women in the workplace. Gendered domestic role beliefs did not significantly moderate the relationship between flexi-time and flexi-place flexibility and work-family conflict or the relationship between proactive flexibility and work-family conflict, but they did significantly moderate the relationship between reactive flexibility and work-family conflict. Beliefs about women in the workplace did not moderate any of the relationships between flexible work arrangements and work-family conflict. The implication of these findings is that individuals' perceptions of their ability to manage family emergencies is related to their experiences of work-family conflict.Item Experiences of social workers regarding managing workload during COVID-19 pandemic: A study at the Department of Social Development in Roodepoort(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mambabada, Tshiwela PortiaThe aim of this study was to explore experiences of the Department of Social Development (DSD) social workers when managing their workload during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a qualitative study that employed exploratory case study research design to understand the experiences of participants in their everyday life within their workplace. The researcher utilised a non-probability purposive sampling procedure to select participants. Fifteen (15) participants were recruited from Roodepoort’s DSD in South Africa. The researcher used a semi-structured interview schedule as the data collection tool. Data was collected on one-on-one basis, face-to- face with participants. The researcher was interested in utilising a thematic analysis to analyse the collected data. The study offers insights into how social workers’ workload at DSD changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The insights are used to make recommendations for future disaster plans to support social workers and the clients that they serve within DSD. Fundings show that Roodepoort DSD social workers faced higher caseload in foster care. This was as a result of a shortage of social workers and limited resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. These social workers also faced changes that were brought about by the pandemic, such as the shortage of personal protective equipment and they had to adopt hybrid work to provide services to clients virtually. They experienced poor mental health due to increased workload, stress, and burnout. Their coping strategies were based on exercising and employee assistance programmes.Item Government Funding and its effects on the Private Sponsorship of Dance organizations in South Africa: The Case of Moving into Dance Mophatong and Vuyani Dance Theatre(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Madyibi, Vuyolwethu; Mavhungu, JohannaThis thesis examines the dynamics between government funding and private sponsorship in South African dance non-profit organizations (NPOs), specifically Vuyani Dance Theatre (VDT) and Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM). Through a mixed-methods research design, it addresses the research question: "Does government funding crowd-out or crowd-in corporate sponsorships to dance NPOs?" evaluating the framework of crowding-out and crowding-in effects. The study integrates quantitative analysis of funding trends with qualitative insights from organizational leaders and stakeholders, providing a comprehensive view of the financial ecosystem that sustains these dance NPOs. The findings reveal a significant reliance on government funding, marked by substantial fluctuations that underline a precarious dependency for both VDT and MIDM. However, strategic management of these funds and efforts towards funding diversification and corporate engagement suggest a multifaceted interplay between government and private support. This challenges the simplistic binary of crowding effects, indicating instead that under certain strategic conditions, government funding can indeed attract additional private sponsorship. By highlighting the importance of strategic alignment, adaptability, and long-term planning, the thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of funding dynamics in the arts sector. It posits that government support, when strategically leveraged alongside diversified funding efforts, can foster a conducive environment for private sector engagement, thereby enhancing the sustainability and growth of dance NPOs.Item The role of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes on developing small and medium enterprises (SMEs): The case of Sappi Southern Africa in the local communities of Umkomaas in the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ntuli, Zandile Phindile; Dube, NkosiyaziAfrica. The government has called on corporations to help transform the country through Corporate Social Investment (CSI) to accelerate socioeconomic development. This study focused on CSI as part of a broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework. South Africa has seen significant growth in CSI, due in part to the implementation of the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Code of Good Practice, which requires businesses to contribute to the country's reconstruction efforts. As a result, many businesses have adopted social development strategies as part of their core business objectives. The small and medium enterprises (SMEs) economy is considered crucial to achieving some of the objectives for post- apartheid reconstruction and development, such as economic restructuring and alleviation of poverty. Given the slow growth of new job opportunities in large corporations, the developmental support of SMEs is viewed as a vital vehicle for generating employment. Using a qualitative approach, the study explored the role of CSI programmes in developing SMEs, with a focus on Sappi Southern Africa’s Saiccor mill in Umkomaas on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal (KZN). A case study design was adopted to obtain in-depth information from participants concerning Sappi's CSI programmes. A semi-structured interview schedules was used as a research instrument, with one-on-one individual interviews used as a method of data collection. The study consisted of 12 purposively sampled participants. The findings revealed that the local community of Umkomaas benefited from the CSI programmes. The CSI programmes contributed positively to the development of local SMEs. In addition, the unemployed youth gained skills through the various skills development initiatives to become economically active. To tackle poverty, unemployment and inequality in South Africa, a renewed commitment from the various economic sectors is needed, notably the private sector with the influence and resources.Item Supply Chain Risk Management in Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises: A Systematic Literature Review(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Pungula, Vusumuzi; Sunjka, B.Background: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are becoming major actors in the manufacturing sector due to the rising complexity of global supply chains. However, they still face enormous risks from supply chain disruptions and market dynamics, which can have costly effects. SMEs sometimes lack the means and expertise to execute comprehensive risk management plans intended for larger businesses, despite their significance. Research on Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is noticeably lacking, especially in the manufacturing sector. Purpose: The aim of the study was to systematically review how SCRM has been developing in manufacturing SMEs globally over the past two decades, and provide insights for policymakers, industry associations, and SMEs themselves. Method: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted by utilizing a qualitative research approach. Seven key phrases were formulated to guide the search for relevant articles published between 2000 and 2023. A thorough screening process was employed to select 38 articles that met inclusion criteria, and data analysis was performed using NVivo software on these articles. Following this, thematic analysis and textual narrative synthesis methods were employed for data analysis and synthesis. The discussion of the identified themes provides comprehensive insights to policymakers, industry associations, and SMEs into the current status of SCRM research in manufacturing SMEs globally. It highlights the importance of effectively addressing risk variables, developing tailored SCRM approaches, and striking a balance between risk reduction efforts and strategic opportunities within supply chains to enhance resilience and ensure operational continuity. Results: The review revealed a significant increase in SCRM research pertaining to manufacturing SMEs over the past decade. Trends analysis indicated a growing emphasis on SCRM in various disciplines, highlighting its increasing significance. Thematic analysis identified eight key themes, including the current status of SCRM research and factors influencing SCRM strategies in manufacturing SMEs. Conclusion: Based on the comprehensive review of literature, several key conclusions can be drawn. There is prevalent recognition of the importance of SCRM within SMEs, emphasizing the need for proactive risk mitigation strategies tailored to the SME context. While formal risk management approaches are increasingly adopted, the context-specific nature of risk management practices highlights the importance of tailored approaches. Technological advancements play a significant role in enhancing SCRM strategies, alongside the integration of green supply chain management practices.Item Development of an enterprise engineering strategy execution framework(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mudavanhu, Thabani B.; Emwanu, BrunoEven with a myriad of implementation models from consulting firms and academia – the success rate of Strategy Execution (SE) remains low. Extant literature in strategy execution exposes inadequacies of theoretical foundations for the assertions outlined in current SE models. In addition to this, where there is some explanation, the theory is inconsistent, and discipline biased which limits development of general application theory. Further to this ‘enterprises’ as the housing (the system of interest) from which a strategy is launched rarely receive the level of attention and rigor that technical systems do. Against this background, this study sought to understand how the success rate of SE can be improved through the application of Enterprise Engineering (EE) principles and practices. The premise being that the challenges in implementing strategies in any organisation are too an extent related to the design of the enterprise. Consequently, the common challenges attributed to the failure in SE can be linked to the enterprise design and as such organisations can, to an extent be designed to influence SE. Considering the complexity / greyness of the study area and limited literature in the relatively new discipline of EE, specifically enterprise ontology theory (the theoretical lens of this study), a structured literature review was used as the basis for a Delphi study. A two (2) round Delphi study was conducted with experts in the field to determine and validate the critical dimensions in Strategy Execution. Thirty-one (31) and twenty (25) experts participated in Delphi Round 1 and 2 respectively. The experts came from four regions of the world and were largely academics, board members and executive leaders and practitioners many of them tasked with either overseeing or leading strategy execution. The study revealed that there is a significant relationship between the design of an enterprise at the deepest level (the ontological layer) and the seven (7) aggregated themes that were synthesised in this study and are linked to constraining successful SE – (a) the strategy itself, (b) leadership, (c) people (the team); (d) effective communication; (e) organisational capabilities (f) organisational enablers and (g) organisational culture. The study proposed a generic enterprise engineering-based strategy execution (EEbSE) framework anchored in the deepest layer of an organisation, the ontological layer - the level where companies transact (cooperate and enter into agreements). Consequently, the study confirmed the proposition that ‘organisations can, to some degree, be designed or re-engineered for strategy execution’. This study demonstrates how EE can be useful in aiding Successful SE. An example of a key take-away include the need to check for execution readiness at the ontological layer and v eliminating any construction flaws (errors) that will later reflect as ‘common’ challenges. For example, lack of commitment [people issues] and lack of an implementation [culture issues] are flaws associated with SE that can be traced and re-engineered at the ontological level. This study adds to on-going work to confront the SE challenge and demonstrates the relevancy and pervasiveness of the application of EE.Item The assessment of exploration processes in the Upstream Industry to increase exploration efficiency and promote accelerated drilling decisions.(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tshikovhi, Rilwele Mikovhe Muditambi; Botha, A.During petroleum exploration, petroleum companies (operators) require efficient hydrocarbon detection and delineation methods to locate petroleum prospects and promote drilling (Selley, 1998). The two pre-drill surveys under investigation in this study are seismic surveys and controlled source electro-magnetic (CSEM) surveys which are used to study the subsurface during offshore petroleum exploration. Drilling dry holes is inevitable, however, a proper and thorough prospect evaluation can significantly increase the chance of success of a prospect (Milkov & Samis, 2020). The purpose of the research is to evaluate seismic and CSEM surveys as secondary hydrocarbon detection tools used to recommend drilling, and to also determine if any of these methods can encourage accelerated drilling decisions and significantly reduce exploration risk. A total of 49 seismic-based samples and 41 CSEM-based samples were used in the study. Survey anomalies were assessed against drilling results to determine the predictive strength of each survey. The Chi-test confirmed that there is a significant association between survey anomalies and attributes such as well results, predictive strength, fluid type and trap style. The researcher analysed the two datasets to determine the probability of an anomaly in each survey and the chance of success if each well is drill based on these surveys. The presence of an anomaly was defined as a positive anomaly (PA) and the absence of an anomaly was defined as a negative anomaly (NA). Fluid type and trap style were used to analyse the predictive ability of the survey anomalies. Seismic and CSEM surveys have indicated a high probability of discovering charged reservoirs in a structural trap as compared to stratigraphic traps, however, CSEM is slightly better than seismic surveys in defining these reservoirs. Both surveys have a low probability of predicting a charged stratigraphic reservoir, although seismic surveys have indicated higher chance of success as compared to CSEM. Positive anomalies observed in both surveys proved to be good indicators of gas-bearing reservoirs as compared to other hydrocarbon fluid. CSEM has a slightly higher chance of predicting oil than seismic surveys. A simplified process mapping for the current offshore exploration processes was conducted. A decision tree was used to analyse seismic and CSEM surveys as secondary tools with emphasis given to their hydrocarbon detection capabilities. Bayesian Theorem was used to calculate the posterior probabilities given that a well is drilled on a positive iii anomaly. The same was applied for wells drilled on negative anomalies. The results have indicated that CSEM has a higher probability of detecting hydrocarbon accumulations as compared to seismic surveys.Item An analysis of factors leading to the production of defective wagons in Transnet Engineering(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Nemakhavhani, Pfananani Thelma; Dewa, Mncedisi TrinityRail manufacturing industries play a crucial role in many countries by developing cost-effective transportation solutions to move freight more efficiently. To date, the industry has seen the implementation of traditional quality management practices that are critical in driving efficiencies and better-managed operations to improve the quality of their freight wagons. Despite the conventional quality management techniques, the rail industry continues to manufacture defective rolling stock due to design changes, errors and omissions, and inadequate skills. Over the past few decades, industry and academia have identified various factors contributing to rolling stock manufacturing defects. Nevertheless, which factors were predominantly responsible for the defective wagon production at the Transnet Engineering (TE) Bloemfontein factory remained unclear. Identifying the most prevalent causes of defects is essential in addressing the organisation's quality issues. The primary purpose of this study was to gain insights into the root causes of the defects and recommend strategies to minimise them. The study used an interpretive methodology to identify the root cause of defective wagons produced at TE. Data was collected using purposive sampling. Ten experienced TE employees actively engaged in freight wagon manufacturing were selected for face-to-face interviews. During the research study, the interviews were conducted with the employees using a semi-structured format that allowed for open-ended questions. Investigative techniques, such as cause-and-effect diagrams and the Five "Whys" root cause analysis tool, were used to investigate defects' root causes on the customer complaints register. Additionally, thematic analysis was applied to thoroughly analyse the interviews conducted with the employees, which allowed for a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. The findings showed that inadequate skills, human errors and omissions, a lack of quality culture, time constraints, management's failure to enforce accountability, and poor workshop maintenance/machinery all contribute to defective wagon production. The research provided recommendations, including adopting innovative technology and skills transfer programs to enhance the company's quality management practices.