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The influence of transformational leadership on the relationship between an entrepreneurial mindset and corporate entrepreneurshipGovender, Thanusha January 2016 (has links)
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management specialising in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
Johannesburg, 2016 / Although corporate entrepreneurship has been examined extensively and alike the antecedents of corporate entrepreneurship, have become a key interest to researchers. The examination of organisational and cognitive factors that drive corporate entrepreneurship is an area of study still in its infancy. This research report, aimed to bridge this knowledge gap, by evaluating the effect of transformational leadership and entrepreneurial mindset in enhancing levels of corporate entrepreneurship.
This cross-sectional, empirical study is composed of 173 independent samples of management employees, taken from within a major African bank, headquartered in South Africa. The research, based on structural equation modelling, demonstrated that an entrepreneurial mindset and transformational leadership is positively related to higher levels of corporate entrepreneurship.
Equally, empirical evidence was discovered, using structural equation modelling and regression analytics, that transformational leadership positively influences the behavioural relationship between the entrepreneurial mindset and corporate entrepreneurship. This occurs through the mediation causal relationship of transformational leadership, between both latent variables, and the bidirectional causal effect between transformational leadership and an entrepreneurial mindset. / MT2016
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Bank failures and the impact of regulatory reforms in AfricaSoile-Balogun, Adeyinka Adeniran January 2017 (has links)
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
Master of Management Degree in Finance & Investment Management / The fragility of the banking sector and the systemic effects of bank failures coupled with the position banks occupy as the centre of financial and economic activity has called for effective regulatory reforms to ensure greater supervision and monitoring, prudent banking practices, financial stability and restoration of public confidence in the financial system.
Therefore, this study is aimed at examining the spate of bank failures in Africa and the extent to which the introduction of regulatory reforms and prudential measures by regulatory authorities have impacted or helped in reducing the incidence of bank failures in Africa. To this end, the study looks at the various determinants of bank failures and fragility, indicators of financial soundness, the measures adopted so far in curbing bank failures and the resultant effect, the deficiencies in the existing reforms and regulations as well as policy recommendations for future studies.
The study revealed that successful implementation of reforms is not limited to effective prudential approach & guidelines but largely influenced by Macro-economic conditions in the economy. For the purpose of performance evaluation and assessing the impact of regulatory reforms on the banking sector in Africa (Pre reform and Post reform), this study looks at a case study of some selected African countries namely Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, Ghana to enable us have a clear insight on the performance of banks pre-reforms and post reforms.
Keywords: Banking sector reforms, Financial intermediation, Banking crisis, Bank performance, Capital adequacy. / GR2018
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Trade in commonly used medicinal bulbs: value and ecological implicationsBrueton, Vanessa Jean 25 February 2014 (has links)
The relationship between human activity and the environment has created ecological, socio-economic and cultural patterns and feedback mechanisms that govern the presence, distribution and abundance of plant species assemblages. The trade in traditional medicinal plants in South Africa is estimated to be worth approximately R2.9 billion per year with 27 million consumers throughout the country. Bulbous species compose about 14% of the traded medicinal plant species in South Africa, however the majority of research at the species or generic level has concentrated on a limited number of life forms and plant parts and the ecological consequences of harvest and use of commonly used bulb species is poorly known. Ethnobotanical studies generally focus on ‘ethnospecies’ – i.e. the traditional name that a species may be known by. Species-specific evidence of the effects of trade and harvest is needed to provide more clarity on the implications of trade, especially since increased commercialisation of medicinal plants has often resulted in over-harvesting and, in severe cases, near extinction of valued indigenous plants. The overall aim of this study was to determine the ecological consequences, as well as some of the economic implications of harvesting important bulb species for the regional medicinal plant trade.
Traditional medicinal bulb species are susceptible to over-exploitation because they are destructively harvested in large quantities. Four perennial bulbous genera were surveyed: two within the Amaryllidaceae (Boophone and Crinum) and two in the Hyacinthaceae (Bowiea and Drimia). Some discrepancies were noted where traders and traditional healers recognised species that have been synonymised by taxonomists. In order to understand the impacts of all recognised forms, original nomenclature was used to describe different bulb forms that had been synonymised. The proposed ‘functional taxonomy’ does not aim to re-examine the taxonomic revisions by previous taxonomists but rather provides a way to identify forms that have no accepted species name. In this way, the impacts on harvesting of different bulb forms can be quantified. Based on this functional taxonomy, the genus name Urginea has been used although Urginea is currently synonymised under Drimia. However, this is only to describe the different bulb form and is not meant to replace the current taxonomic nomenclature. Surveys were conducted in two national level and two small regional level markets to determine the impacts of trade. Bulb characteristics were described and used together with taxonomic literature to produce a key to bulbous species commonly traded in the markets of South Africa. Distribution data and other important information were collected and combined to provide species-specific information. Identification based on vegetative characteristics was possible, with certain features being more useful than others for creating a key. The most useful identification characteristic was the bulb scale type in the Hyacinthaceae together with bulb shape and colour, while bulb size was least useful. For the Amaryllidaceae, bulb colour and characteristics such as tunics cannot always be used due to similarities between species. However, bulb size and shape are helpful indicators and can group species into classes of similar species. Leaf characteristics are very important and may be the only way to accurately identify some species. The adaptation of taxonomic information and previous keys into more ‘vegetative’ friendly keys can provide ethnoecologists with an identification tool not solely based on ethnospecies name. The ability to identify species will allow ethnoecologists to provide more comprehensive assessments on the impact of the trade.
The diameter of bulbs sold at Faraday market (Johannesburg), Warwick market (Durban) and smaller Free State markets were recorded for four genera (Bowiea, Boophone, Crinum, and Drimia – including Urginea forms), and the data were used in a variety of ways to determine the effects of trade. Populations of species of anthropogenic importance should show a corresponding decrease in the frequency of individuals in large size-classes and a decreased number of size-classes with time. Size-class distributions of Drimia delagoensis and Bowiea volubilis followed an inverse J-shaped curve, often indicative of a regenerating population (high frequency of small bulbs); however, in this case intense harvesting pressure has resulted in a highly skewed population structure. High rates of harvesting will ultimately result in regeneration failure because smaller bulbs are unable to reach maturity before harvest. All species studied tended towards smaller mean market bulb diameters over time. These trends suggest that without appropriate mitigation, bulb populations will be further
impacted in the future. Bulb diameters in the market were also smaller than diameter records collected from herbarium material and literature records. Bowiea volubilis is the most severely impacted by the medicinal plant trade, with approximately 87% of bulbs <4cm in diameter, and significantly smaller than both bulb diameters in medicinal plant markets in 2001 (p<0.0001) and pressed bulbs from several herbaria (p<0.0001). The large bulbed Amaryllidaceae species Boophone disticha and Crinum species also showed a decrease in bulb diameter between the 2001 and 2007 Faraday surveys (by 1.5cm and 2.7cm, respectively), while Urginea epigea (Hyacinthaceae) showed a 1.2cm decrease in mean size in 6 years.
Traditional healers, traders and harvesters can provide a wealth of information on species populations in the wild. Trader and harvester preferences may affect the impact of harvesting and trade on wild populations. Information on trader/harvester preferences and perceptions was gathered from Warwick and Free State markets. Overall, the average earnings per month per trader selling medicinal plants were low (approximately R833 in Warwick and R2,100 in Free State). Bulb species contributed 10-40% of the total earnings per trader at Warwick and 10-50% in the Free State markets. The relatively large contributions of bulb species to trader incomes emphasise the importance of popular bulb species economically and socially. The number of bulbs (equivalent in size to the mean bulb diameter) harvested annually was large and provides an order of magnitude estimate of harvesting impacts on medicinal plant species populations. The number of Drimia elata harvested was greatest in the Free State (between 600,000 and 1,400,000 dependent on estimation method). In Warwick, species sold in the largest quantities were D. robusta, Crinum species, B. volubilis and U. epigea (approximately 400,000 – based on actual volume). The high variability of number of bulbs harvested between traders suggests that these numbers should be treated with caution.
The number of populations required and the rate of population regeneration needed to sustain harvesting for the traditional medicine trade is extremely high; and, without mitigating factors, the increased commercialisation of the medicinal plant industry may have potentially dramatic, negative implications on popular bulb populations. Social surveys and ethnobotanical work in local markets are the first steps in understanding patterns of demand for particular plant species, and integrated with population structure and size-class distributions, it allows for an amalgamated and complex awareness of the impacts of resource harvesting. With over 30,000 species of animals and plants that are detrimentally affected by trade worldwide, market surveys are increasingly important to provide information on the extent of trade. The varied data collected in this study included: size-class distributions, temporal changes in bulb diameter, volume and number of bulbs harvested, economic value and trader perceptions. Overall, the results suggested that all species studied were negatively impacted by harvesting to various degrees. In South Africa, harvest and trade is sometimes the only form of income generation and harvest can threaten species populations. By quantifying the volume, value and the number of individuals harvested for bulb species, together with perceived scarcity and popularity and place of harvest, a better understanding of the state of the resource-base has been provided. Continued use of market surveys as monitoring tools is important, because in the current (2011) socio-economic context of South Africa, trade and harvest is likely to increase.
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An integrated geochemical and isotopic study of the Prieska Province kimberlites from the Republic of South AfricaClark, Trevor, Charles January 1994 (has links)
A research project submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the
Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
degree of Master of Science. / Rb-Sr emplacement ages of nineteen kimberlites from the Prieska Province
vary from 74 to 174 Ma, Their isotopic, whole-rock geochemical signatures
and perovskite REE distributions were also determined.
Non-micaceous and micaceous kimberlites from the area show similar
petrographic, geochemical and isotopic compositions relative to cratonic
kimberlites, indicating similar sub-continental mantle source compositions
in the two tectonic environments. Transitional varieties of kimberlite,
which can be defined petrographically, geochemically and isotopically are
also recognised from the area, but are not prevalent in the cratonic
environment. The Prieska Province kimberlites are possibly derived by
partial melting processes within a subcontinental reservoir characterised by
a spectrum of compositions from time-averaged depleted (HllMU) to
enriched (Group II).
The occurrence of these components in both on- and off-craton settings
indicates that the kimberlite source area is not strictly linked to the
suberatonic lithosphere. Mantle' plume sources are not favoured because of
the variable source compositions and distribution of emplacement ages
within the Province. Transitional kimberlites were derived from a source
component with mixed character, not yet noted from within the Kaapvaal
Craton. This is the first documented example of isotopically transitional
kimberlites from southern Africa. / AC2017
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Coaching for executive presence: a descriptive accountDunnink, Jacqueline Shekinah January 2017 (has links)
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Management in Business Executive Coaching
Johannesburg, 2017 / Executive presence is suggested as critical for the success and efficacy of leaders in the complex and uncertain environment of 21st century organisations. This research study offers a formulation and description of the construct of executive presence and establishes the relevant and impactful aspects of coaching for executive presence; hence the study makes a contribution to the development of a theoretical body of knowledge.
Executive presence is an emerging construct and executive coaching is still in a theory building stage (first meta-analysis in 2009). Currently, practitioners in the field of executive presence development and coaching for executive presence are operating in the absence of a solid theoretical foundation, and this may detract from good practice or even impact negatively on the credibility of the coaching profession.
Due to the emergent nature of the construct there is a great deal of meaning that needs to emerge; and so a qualitative phenomenological research method is appropriately utilised in this study.
Based on the evidence-based literature review and research findings a definition for executive presence is suggested as: a highly influential and embodied leader with the capacity to mobilise and lead organisations (and society) from the emerging future through mindful and projected personal power, and the flexibility and openness to operate across the presence continuum.
This study establishes the relevant and impactful aspects of coaching for the development of executive presence. A working definition incorporating the key findings from this research study is:
Coaching for executive presence is a business integrated coaching-on-the-axis phased offering for leadership development, incorporating the use of multiple approaches based on sound theoretical and well-understood methodologies and the requirements of the individual and organisational clients, in order to deliver leadership presence capable of leading from the emerging future for the achievement of the organisational vision.
The development of executive presence through coaching is significant and of value for leaders, organisations, and specific functions mandated with ensuring the leadership capability for business effectiveness, sustainability, success and growth. The research contributes significant value through its contribution to an evidence-based definition and model for both executive presence and coaching for executive presence. / MT2017
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Trade union responses to state enterprise restructuring and privatisation.Jardine, Conrad Joseph January 1998 (has links)
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Management,
University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the degree of Master of Management
(in the field of Public and Development Management). / With the advent of democracy, COSATU took a leading role in
the contestation of public policy. It soon saw itself caught
between the tension of cooperating with a democratic
government whilst attempting to resist policies not in line with
its socialist vision. The purpose of this study was to critically
appraise trade union responses to state asset restructuring
and privatisation. COSATU in general accepted the
privatisation of non-essential enterprises and services,
rejected the privatlsation of essential services like water and
electricity and called for the strategic nationalisation of
essential services like housing and health. They have shown
an appreciation of government's arguments, but government
has not taken the concern of unions into consideration. The
findings reveal quite a high level of pessimism and uncertainty
amongst unions with respect to the pragmatic position of
COSATU and the equivocation on the part of government to
allow space for the contestation of prlvatisation policy. / Andrew Chakane 2018
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Witchcraft management in the early twentieth century TransvaalPearson, Joel David January 2016 (has links)
Towards the end of the nineteenth century, colonial governments
across Africa, including South Africa, promulgated laws which aimed to
prohibit the accusation of witchcraft, methods for the detection of witches
and witch trials. However, while administrators saw merely superstition in
witchcraft beliefs, “repugnant to the standards of civilisation”, many
Africans saw an integral element of the social and spiritual order. The
policing of witchcraft beliefs became a thorn in the side of colonial rule. This
article brings to light some of the deeper historical complexities in policing
witchcraft by looking at the application of witchcraft law in the early
twentieth century ‐ a neglected period in witchcraft scholarship. Firstly, it
examines some prominent discursive constructions of the concepts of
“witchcraft” and the “witch doctor” during the early twentieth century, two
terms which feature centrally in colonial witchcraft legislation. It argues
that these terms were shrouded in a great deal of misconception and, at
times, fear. Secondly, it examines instances in which the Transvaal
Witchcraft Ordinance No. 26 of 1904 was applied at the Supreme Court
level, demonstrating that it was employed in a wide variety of instances
which often shared only a tenuous link to poorly defined notions of “the
supernatural”. Nevertheless, diviners seem to have been especially
prejudiced in the implementation of the law. Finally, archival
correspondence derived from Native Affairs Department files dealing with
witchcraft are examined to reveal that the job of policing witchcraft was
rather more uncertain and ad hoc at the grassroots level than official
“civilising” rhetoric may have suggested. While in principle there was no
compromising with beliefs in witchcraft, in practice, such beliefs had to be
carefully managed by local officials, who were given (often uncomfortably)
wide powers of discretion in deciding when and how to employ the force of
the law.
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Punishment in South Africa: an argument for rehabilitation of offendersBallington, Julie 10 June 2016 (has links)
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts, University
of the 'Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of
the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts.
Johannesburg, 1998 / TIlls research report examines the traditional theories of punishment, that is, retribution,
deterrence and rehabilitation, and assesses their practical and empirical relevance in South
Africa at the present time. It is argued that the theories of retribution and deterrence are
largely inadequate to deal with offenders effectively, and consequently little relief in the
crime rate could be anticipated if we were to institute a system of punishment based purely
on punitive considerations. By contrast, it is argued that the theory of rehabilitation offers
a more holistic approach to deal with offenders, and is really the only system which takes
crime control seriously. In sum, it is argued that a system of punishment rooted in
retributive 01' deterrent principles will neither be more just, more effective nor more
humane than a system which has rehabilitation of offenders as its goal.
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Engaging informal settlements as landscapes of place: reconceptualising urban communities in the struggle for in SITU upgrading.Kornienko, Kristen 04 February 2014 (has links)
This study investigates the role of space and place in urban informal settlement
upgrading. The key aim is a better understanding of the character and functionality of
informal communities through their social processes. There is a large body of
literature on the social, economic and spatial consequences of informal settlement’s
ongoing role of housing the urban poor. This study uses an ethnographic approach
to investigate the spaces and places which result from the need based social
relations and political agency of the informal residents. This genre of need reflects
Lefebvre’s description of the tangible and intangible necessities that contribute to
individuals’ livelihood and well-being.
The study explores the philosophical thinking around spatial production and the
meaning of place. It builds on the works of Heidegger, Lefebvre, and Deleuze and
Guattari who attribute value to everyday social process and its role in producing
space. Deleuze and Guattariʼs relational language is used to articulate the fluidity
with which informality engages formality through the rhythm, refrain, milieu and
territorialisation of daily use, leading to a rethinking of boundary and edge. Critically,
the study also draws on the historic and present elements of time as it relates to
space for this group of thinkers. The time/space dynamics of hope lost through
waiting for upgrading and hope gained through impatience, political agency and
action, add layers of complexity to these spaces. Implied in the first dynamic is an
acceptance of the status quo, passive inclusion into South Africaʼs democratic
society through the eventual provision of housing. The second is an insurgent
demand for socio-economic rights and societal transformation as guaranteed by the
Constitution (Holston, 1998).
The resultant qualitative data from two informal settlements in greater Johannesburg
unravels the logic behind informal spatial production via relational connections which
articulate space as a product of informal residents’ social actions. This spatial
understanding suggests a shift away from current spatial models employed by the
State in its formal provision of subsidised housing. At the same time, it strengthens
informal communities’ role in the upgrading process by giving value to the social
qualities of place in existing living environments.
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Salvaging the law: the second Ernie Wentzel memorial lectureDidcott, J M 04 October 1988 (has links)
A budding author bold enough to have sent his manuscript to Dr Samuel Johnson for appraisal received a reply, so the story goes, in these terms: ‘Sir. Your work is both original and good. Unfortunately the part that is good is not original. And the part that is original is not good. I find it difficult to say anything new or original about the lovable man whose life we celebrate this afternoon and whose memory we thus keep alive. For so much has been said in the tributes previously paid to him, tributes testifying to the place he occupied in the hearts of countless South Africans. What is good should prove easier, however, when it is said of someone whom, at the ceremony held in court soon after his death, Ralph Zulman described, simply and truly, as a good man. So, be it said how it may, what I shall say today about Ernie Wentzel feels good to say. Unless someone who is now a lawyer was acquainted with Ernie during his childhood or schooldays, I can rightly claim, I believe, that none still around knew him for more years than I did. Our long friendship may explain why John Dugard honoured me with the invitation to deliver this lecture. It was certainly my reason for accepting the invitation with alacrity. Ernie and I first met each other 37 years ago, in 1951, when he entered the University of Cape Town, where I too was a student. I happened to be his senior by two years. But I soon got to know him well, for we had a lot in common. We were both enthusiastic student politicians. And we were in the same camp. Our time together on the campus was one of turmoil, not as acute as that which campuses have experienced subsequently, but intense nonetheless since, in addition to all the other strife of the period, the Universities of Cape T own and the W itwatersrand were under an attack that was constant and fierce for their policy of admitting students of every race, and they faced the threat of legislation forbidding them to accept any who was not white without official pennission.
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