3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37773

For queries relating to content and technical issues, please contact IR specialists via this email address: openscholarship.library@wits.ac.za, Tel: 011 717 4652 or 011 717 1954

Browse

Filters

1850 - 20254.7K

Settings

Has files: Yes

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 4697
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The Impact of Travel Influencers’ Credibility and Congruency on African Travel and Tourism Intentions
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Linder, Monique T.; Quaye, Emmanuel S.
    Travel influencers are rapidly changing the tourism marketing landscape. By showcasing travel destinations and personal experiences on their digital platforms, travel influencers have become essential sources of information for travellers worldwide. Although research on influencers’ impact on tourism and consumer intentions is growing, there remains a gap in studies focusing on their influence on African travel and tourism. The purpose of this research was to (1) investigate the roles of credibility and congruency characteristics in travel influencer marketing within African tourism markets, and (2) understand the impact of these travel influencer characteristics on destination image perceptions and visit intentions within these markets. The results of this research indicate that high travel influencer credibility (in terms of trust, expertise, and physical attractiveness) and high travel influencer self-congruity (across all forms to include actual, ideal, social, or ideal social), significantly impact destination image perceptions and visit intentions towards South African travel and tourism on a global scale. This study found that enhanced perceptions of South Africa’s destination image significantly mediate the relationships between (1) travel influencer credibility and visit intentions towards South Africa, and (2) travel influencer self-congruity with their audience and visit intentions towards the country. This research provides valuable insights for tourism stakeholders on the roles of credibility and self-congruity characteristics within travel influencer marketing. Additionally, the study findings contribute to understanding how building a positive perception of African destinations through partnerships with travel influencers can enhance the appeal of these destinations and increase the likelihood of attracting global tourists.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The effect of cognitive dissonance on customer loyalty among demarketed segments in the banking sector with communication openness as a moderator
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Kigen, Fiona; De Villiers, Marike Venter
    A critical challenge for firms is managing customers who are targeted for one product but not another. For instance, banks may need to navigate how to retain a customer who holds a bank account but is declined for a home loan, all while preserving the customer’s commitment, trust and loyalty in the institution. This action of selectively offering products to customers is referred to as demarketing, which is a situation where a seller induces a certain preferred segment of the market to complete a transaction, while discouraging certain other segments from completing the same transaction. A possible effect of the feelings of disappointment from customers who have been demarketed is cognitive dissonance, described as the feelings humans face when they have contradictory thoughts that cause conflict. This study, through cognitive dissonance theory and commitment-trust theory lenses, focused on customer loyalty as an outcome of commitment and trust, following cognitive dissonance arising from a demarketing effort. It also looked at the moderating effect of communication openness on the relationship between cognitive dissonance and satisfaction. The study tested a theoretical model merging the cognitive dissonance model and the commitment-trust theory of relationship marketing to theoretically test the relationships between cognitive dissonance and customer loyalty. This research was quantitative and utilised the experimental method, where a vignette was presented to study participants, followed by a survey utilising validated scales. The target population comprised of adults (over the age of 18) residing in South Africa who are eligible to apply for unsecured consumer credit facilities from a registered credit provider as per the National Credit Act (No. 34 of 2005). Five hundred and five responses were collected for final analysis, and Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM) on SPSS AMOS 27 was used to test the hypotheses. The study findings indicated that being demarketed results in cognitive dissonance in customers, which further results in lower levels of satisfaction, trust, commitment and loyalty. However, dissonance reduction mechanisms that customers deploy were found to moderate this effect. Communication openness on the other hand was not found to have a moderating effect. Empirically, this research may assist firms to understand how best to minimize cognitive dissonance in their demarketing efforts, and thus limit damage to customer relationships. The findings of this study aim to contribute to knowledge in the fields of demarketing, cognitive dissonance and relationship marketing, responding to calls in literature for more research into strategies aimed at reducing cognitive dissonance. This is especially relevant in the South African context which experiences a very high level of loan declines and where consumers generally express low levels of satisfaction with their banks.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Effectuation methods in the success of entrepreneurs securing funding in the dtic Black Industrialist Scheme
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Letsogo, Kegomoditswe Tsholofelo; Urban, Boris
    This study investigates the role of effectuation methods in the success of Black Industrialists securing funding through the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (dtic) Black Industrialist Scheme (BIS) in South Africa. The study is situated within the broader discussion on entrepreneurial strategies and economic empowerment in South Africa. Drawing on Sarasvathy's (2001) effectuation theory, the research examines five core principles: Bird in Hand, Affordable Loss, Lemonade, Crazy Quilt, and Pilot-in-the-Plane. It explores how these principles influence the ability of Black Industrialists to navigate the complex funding environment and secure financial resources. Using a quantitative research design, data was collected from Black Industrialists who have applied for funding under the BIS. The research employs Likert-scale questionnaires to measure the application of effectuation principles and their correlation with successful funding outcomes. The study also considers entrepreneurial experience as a moderating variable, acknowledging its potential impact on decision-making processes and funding success. The findings indicate that while effectuation principles are valuable in entrepreneurial contexts, their effectiveness is limited within the framework of the BIS. Specifically, the Bird in Hand and Crazy Quilt principles, which emphasize leveraging existing resources and forming strategic partnerships, demonstrate a significant positive correlation with successful funding outcomes. However, entrepreneurial experience did not significantly moderate these relationships, challenging previous assumptions about its role in enhancing effectuation strategies. This study contributes to both theoretical and practical understanding of effectuation and funding in emerging economies. It suggests that while effectuation offers a useful framework for entrepreneurial decision-making, its practical application must align with institutional funding requirements. The study recommends that policymakers consider more adaptive funding mechanisms to accommodate entrepreneurial flexibility while maintaining accountability. Future research should explore longitudinal effects of effectuation strategies and comparative analyses across diverse funding mechanisms to deepen insights into entrepreneurial success in structured financial environments.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Investigating the Impact of Hedge Funds on an Optimally Balanced Portfolio
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Kungwane, Keabetswe; Mudavanhu, Blessing
    This study explores the incorporation of hedge funds into balanced investment portfolios, emphasising their ability to enhance returns and mitigate risk through diversification. Analysing monthly return data between January 2007 to December 2023 and sub-period analysis from January 2010 to December 2019, the research evaluates the performance of several hedge fund strategies - Fixed Income, Equity Long/Short, Market Neutral and Multi- Strategy against a synthetic traditional “balanced fund” and the industry balanced fund from Allan Gray. By employing mean-variance optimization methods, the paper seeks to identify optimal asset allocation strategies that maximize returns while minimising risk exposure. In line with regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act, the results indicate that a 10% allocation to hedge funds in traditional diversified portfolios can substantially improve performance measures adjusted for risk, such as the Sharpe ratio and Jensen's alpha. This research adds to the current knowledge base by demonstrating practical evidence and confirmation of the effectiveness of hedge funds. It provides valuable insights for portfolio management and diversification within the South African financial context. Ultimately, the findings highlight the critical role of alternative asset classes in achieving superior investment performance and volatility reduction.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Ethical challenges of artificial intelligence product innovation in South African financial services
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Kiiru, Leonard; Matshabaphala, Manamela
    This research investigates the ethical complexities surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) driven product innovation within South African financial services, focusing on issues of fairness and transparency. As AI continues to transform the financial sector, ensuring responsible and equitable implementation has become a non-negotiable. Current AI practices across selected South African banks are examined by analysing challenges such as algorithmic bias, the need for financial inclusion, and the intricacies of data privacy. Drawing on qualitative data and thematic analysis from twelve semi-structured interviews, the research evaluates how these institutions address ethical dilemmas associated with the use of AI and their observance of regulatory frameworks that prioritise fairness, transparency, and accountability. To navigate these ethical challenges, this paper proposes a practical ethical framework and adoption strategy that is tailored to the unique South African context. This framework emphasizes safeguards against bias, transparency through explainable AI, continuous audits, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure ethical compliance throughout AI product development. Ultimately, this research serves as a guide for South African banks, regulators, and policymakers in advancing fair, transparent, and responsible AI systems.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Who’s your Daddy? The untold adoption stories of South African men
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2015) Minors, Deborah
    This journalism research project was motivated by the author’s personal investigation into her late father’s adoption. The report comprises two parts: a scholarly introduction, and a long- form journalism piece. Part 1 sets out the social and psychological context in which adoption in South Africa operates and the prevailing narratives and debates. It describes the representation of adoption as a “happily-ever-after” scenario, despite the dynamics of adoptive families differing from those of traditional nuclear families. Research shows that the adoptee, birth family, and adoptive family (the “adoption triad”) all experience seven adoption-related issues: loss, rejection, guilt/shame, grief, identity, intimacy/relationships, and mastery/control. These are the mostly untold stories of adoption, and they provide the framework for the personal investigation. Part 2 is the author’s personal story, which scaffolds and thematically advances the stories of the male adoptees, birth fathers, and adoptive fathers interviewed. This project reveals that adoption is a profound experience for the triad. The seven issues, innately human and universal, are best revealed through personal investigation and long-form journalism. This project contributes to research about men in adoption in South Africa by sharing their stories and makes the issues of adoption publicly accessible through long-form journalism.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Impact of enterprise development training on the performance of small retail businesses in Gauteng
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Kazhila, Cleopatra Mwansa; Urban, Boris
    Context - Small, Medium, Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), which include small retail businesses, are considered as how South Africa's national development plan (NDP) will achieve its socio-economic goals. The NDP aims to ensure growth and sustainability in the country by having 90% of jobs created by SMMEs by 2030. Motivation of the study – Many other research studies have investigated how enterprise development training affects small and medium-sized enterprises in South Africa, but few, if any, have zoomed into how it affects small retail enterprises' performance, particularly in the region of Gauteng. It has, however, been argued that SMME owners who possess the right skill set will be able to obtain a significant advantage over their rivals who have not received skill training. Research purpose – This research study, therefore, sought to investigate the impact of enterprise development training on the performance of small retail businesses in the Gauteng province. Methodology – The study was quantitative and comprised 34 closed-ended questions which were designed to draw primary data from the sample population using an electronic interview survey questionnaire. Data from 132 respondents was received, cleaned out and then analysed using various mathematical modelling tools such as the Little MCAR test, regression analysis and multiple linear regression. Main findings – This research study finds that enterprise development training has an impact on the performance of small retail businesses in the Gauteng province. Contributions / Value Add – This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by showing that enterprise training development has an impact on small retail businesses in Gauteng. It also inspires SMME owners of small retail businesses to embrace enterprise training as it has huge potential to unleash them in the South ii African economy. Policy makers have also been challenged to consider making internet connectivity affordable among small retail businesses.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The adoption of Intelligent Applications by South African Organisations
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Kawal, Chiresh; Sethibe, Tebogo
    Digital disruption has impacted many industries globally. Not all industries have been equally impacted; some have experienced more disruption than others. The ICT industry, among others, is closest to the centre of the vortex indicating the extent to which it has been disrupted compared to others. Digital technologies are merging to leverage their combined capabilities in forming more powerful tools to aid industries to cope with organisational transformation. This quantitative study uses the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to examine the relationship between the UTAUT constructs and the behavioural intention of employees to adopt intelligent applications in a South African ICT organisation. The model was extended to include General Awareness, Attitude and Trust, job classification, employment contract type, and education level as moderating variables to examine the influence on behavioural intention. The cross-sectional study included the collection of empirical data through an anonymous online survey. Respondents were also given the opportunity to respond to open-ended questions (divergent question technique) on barriers and enablers to new technology adoption. The analysis results revealed that performance expectancy and effort expectancy are not significant predictors of adoption. Social influence is a weak predictor of adoption. General Awareness, Attitude and Trust, and facilitating conditions were strong predictors of the behavioural intention to adopt intelligent applications. Key outcome topics are insufficient training, management support and strategy, financial constraints, and data management. The results of this study contribute to the body of knowledge on extended factors of UTAUT on influencing the adoption of intelligent applications in the ICT Sector. The study also provides insights to ICT leaders, talent managers, and technology service providers on factors that support the adoption of intelligent applications.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Benefits and barriers to digitalisation of loan bursary repayment in the National Manpower Development Secretariat (NMDS) of Lesotho
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Hlaele, Makhauhelo; Magida, Ayanda
    The National Manpower Development Secretariat (NMDS) in Lesotho continues to face critical challenges in recovering disbursed student loan bursaries, largely due to its reliance on outdated, manual repayment methods such as cash payments, unenforced stop orders, and bank deposits. These inefficiencies contribute to persistently low recovery rates, affecting the sustainability of the NMDS fund and the country’s broader goals for higher education access. This study explored how digital payment systems can be adopted to improve the operational efficiency of loan bursary repayments and enhance recovery outcomes. Guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory, the research employed an interpretivist paradigm and a qualitative case study design. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with seven purposively selected participants, including NMDS administrators and IT personnel. Thematic analysis revealed that while digitalisation offers transformative benefits—such as enhanced repayment tracking, reduced fraud, and streamlined administrative processes— it is hindered by low digital literacy, infrastructural gaps, funding constraints, and lack of regulatory enforcement. The study incorporated a comparative analysis of student loan repayment models in South Africa (NSFAS), Kenya (HELB), and Uganda (HESFB), revealing valuable lessons for phased implementation, automation of deductions, and strategic partnerships. The research concludes with a detailed implementation roadmap for NMDS, structured around short-, medium-, and long-term strategies. These include conducting a digital readiness assessment, piloting integrated systems, updating legal frameworks, and building digital capabilities. The findings offer practical guidance for policy reform and digital transformation in higher education financing and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on public- sector innovation in developing countries.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Gender inclusivity towards a just energy transition in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Geen, Valerie; Gobind, Jenika
    To avoid the escalating impacts of climate change, governments have increasingly committed to a net zero decarbonisation trajectory by 2050. As a country which is the largest carbon emitter in Africa due to its high fossil fuel dependence, South Africa committed to a just energy transition at the Conference of the Parties (COP 26) in 2021. This commitment was conditional on pledges being honoured by international partners to support South Africa in capacity building, technology and finance. Premised on the intention for the energy transition to be just and inclusive, this study investigated how gender inclusivity could be advanced. Based on the theoretical framework of energy justice theory, this study used the lens of the adapted engendered energy justice conceptual framework to inform its qualitative study of South Africa’s just energy transition to clean energy. The qualitative study interviewed a selected sample of 11 key informant interviewees (KII) and examined the barriers to gender inclusion. The findings confirm that the Just energy transition is underway and has accelerated recently. While it potentially may offer more opportunities for women, there is a need to introduce gender mainstreaming and the integration of broader energy justice principles into the transition. The development of a long-term energy vision and strategy is recommended. Finally, the study proposes that the energy strategy and gender mainstreaming should be part of a national dialogue