Spelling suggestions: "subject:"devevelopment studies"" "subject:"agentdevelopment studies""
361 |
Inside-out : South African fashion designers' sewing success.Palmi, Renato. January 2006 (has links)
A fundamental change in the global and textile industries took place on 1 January 2005, when the global quantitative quotas were abolished. International retail buyers are now able to reduce the number of their international suppliers, and can act on a preference to buy from suppliers anywhere in the world, offering the cheapest price on international orders. South Africa had been experiencing growth in cheaper imports, mostly at the lower end of the market, since 1994 when the political arena in South Africa changed, resulting in a reduction of its tariffs faster than the World Trade Organisation required. The post-2005 environment has seen a rapid increase in imports into South Africa, predominantly from Asia. This has resulted in numerous South African firms in the clothing and textile industries having to reduce their labour, outsource part of their production, or close down altogether, due to their inability to compete with their Asian counterparts. One area of the clothing and textile industries in South Africa that has the potential to assist in the sustainability of these industries is the development and growth of South African design content. Relatively new to South Africa is the growth in and recognition of South African fashion designers entering the market, which has resulted in the heightened visibility and activity of numerous inter-related industries, all servicing South African fashion, such as: model agencies, hair-stylists, make-up artists, the fashion media, fashion events and private boutiques. This study explores the experiences of and problems faced by South African designers in producing garments, meeting the price demanded by consumers, and being competitive in the current context of the local market that is dominated by the major retail chains. However, as this research paper will show, numerous South African designers are managing in different ways to succeed and in so doing, have created viable and successful design operations in a very competitive industry. The participants interviewed for this study are all independent designers and successful in their own right. Some have been in the industry for many years, while others are establishing their names and brands in the marketplace. All these designers manufacture from their own atelier (studio) or factory, thereby retaining production control. As and when the need arises, some outsource part of their production to CMTs (cutmake- and-trim specialists) or home-based workers. Many of the designers sell within both the formal and informal economy, some sell their products through their own boutiques while others sell through private boutiques. A common theme of these designers' success is that they grew their business gradually, learning incrementally about the business of fashion and how to maintain control over their cash-flows while slowly growing their visibility in the market. In the interviews, the designers reflected on the importance of customer relations, the importance of Fashion Weeks for promoting their products, as well as the importance of finding reliable suppliers. A common difficulty experienced by the designers is that of finding the correct balance between creativity and commercial success. The study concludes with some recommendations for the promotion and sustainability of South African design content, such as development of co-operative ventures or small clusters of designers working together and creating economies of scale in order to wield greater influence in the value chain. Another important recommendation made is that of designers finding suitable business partners, so that while the designers focus on creative work, their partner drives the commercial and marketing arm of the operation. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2006
|
362 |
Health insurance provisions in community micro finance : a community case study.Rakoloti, Thabo oa. January 2003 (has links)
Micro Finance Institutions are being advocated as vehicles to provide poor people with loans to start business enterprises. Micro Health Insurance is offered to insure against the risk of ill-health in the enterprise. An interesting aspect of this initiative is that it is donor driven to service the needs of the poor and the 'unbankable.' However, it was the researcher's considered view that it may not be easy to build a sustainable Micro Health Insurance Scheme for poorer people. The study thus sought to explore the possibility of developing a sustainable Micro Health Insurance Scheme in the context of acute poverty, free health care, the burden of HIV/AIDS and other diseases, the growing informal sector, erratic and unreliable incomes and the nature of risks faced by these prospective clients. To develop a thorough understanding of the subject matter, extensive reading was carried out. The researcher then designed an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The study had a total of 34 respondents, most of whom where members of a Financial Service Co-operatives, which are community-banking structures that provide a range of financial products for poorer people and those in the informal economy. It is clear from the study that these people are faced with a number of risks. There are several problems that may affect the possibility of building a sustainable health insurance scheme. The present study does not provide any statistical evidence but explores the theme of using the concept of risk and vulnerability to understand the poverty in which Micro Finance and Micro Health Insurance is located. The study provides an array of policy options that can be explored to provide for the health care needs of poorer people, as well as suggestions for future research. / Thesis (M.Dev. Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.
|
363 |
The socio-economic impact of poverty reduction in Lesotho : a survey of poor households at Taung in the Mohale's Hoek district, Lesotho.Mokhatla, David Morapeli. January 2004 (has links)
This is a dissertation on the socio-economic impact of poverty reduction in Lesotho.
The major thrust of the study was to address the problem of low community
participation inherent in development activities. This was triggered off by the high
incidence of poverty in Lesotho. The researcher had prior belief that this was a result
of low levels of community participation. The study was meant to contribute to
knowledge and test research hypotheses and theories. It was proposed that various
programmes or initiatives can improve the socio-economic condition of the rural poor
through enhanced community participation.
Interviews, questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to elicit data from
the respondents. Qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed in the
collection and analysis of data. The research focused on three villages in rural
Lesotho. These are Liphiring, Majapereng and Qhalasi, all found at Taung in the
Mohale's Hoek district. Also, development professionals in government and voluntary
agencies were consulted for information. The total sample of 158 respondents was
used for the study.
The results of the study indicate very low levels of socio-economic development in
the three villages. Unemployment was found to be at the head of all malaises. It is
strongly demonstrated that government programmes have failed to ameliorate the
situation. The failures of subsistence agriculture and limited non-farm activities have
led to greater dependence of the villagers on government aid. The study has noted
poor organizational capacity resulting in political conflicts in the villages. In addition,
the study unearthed poor co-ordination and lack of collaboration between government
and other development agents in the anti-poverty project. Finally, the study uncovered
that programmes respond poorly to villagers' needs. The majority of households are of
one mind that government programmes need to be restructured in order to better serve
their needs. In the main, the study has noted very little achievement in poverty
reduction. This research has shown that this resulted from low levels of community
participation and poor implementation of policies by the government. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2004.
|
364 |
The integration of STI/HIV services into existing FP and MCH programmes : the perspective of clients.Munthree, Chantal. January 2003 (has links)
Since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development there has been a shift away from meeting demographic targets towards meeting the reproductive goals of individual men and women. Partially as a response to the increase in the level of HIV infection, and the associated high levels of STIs, there has been an increasing focus on integrating HIV/STI services within mainstream Maternal Child Health and Family Planning programmes. Thus clients attending clinics that provide integrated services have the opportunity to receive multiple services during a single visit to a facility. The aim of this research was to evaluate the process of integrating FPIMCH and STI/HIV services in urban and rural areas within KwaZulu-Natal, using data gathered form semi structured interviews with clients leaving the health facilities. The research also examined the overall quality of care received within the integrated clinics. The results show that clients rarely receive a range of services on a single visit, despite the integration of services. In most cases, clients do receive the services for which they attended the health facility. However the study found that providers are missing important opportunities to inform, educate and counsel clients on a variety of reproductive health matters. This is important if we are to avoid the negative consequences of an unwanted pregnancy and STIs (including HIV/AIDS). It was also found that the overall quality of care within integrated clinics was low amongst all clients attending the facility. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.
|
365 |
Exploring the second hand clothes trade : the case of Durban, South Africa.Mkhize, Sibongile S. January 2003 (has links)
No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.
|
366 |
African and Indians in game reserves : a study of African and Indian views on the recreational use of game reserves.Ramlagan, Shandir. January 2003 (has links)
Throughout the world, tourism is booming and South Africa, like many developing countries, has a phenomenal resource base for tourism that includes unspoilt wilderness areas, varied and impressive scenery, accessible wildlife, good weather conditions, cultural diversity, as well as an increasingly developed infrastructure. South Africa though is mainly seen and experienced by international tourists and a small number of privileged locals and therefore, South Africa's full potential in local tourism has not been realised. In 2000, the World Bank financed a quantitative research project on Nature Tourism and Conservation in South Africa to assess the domestic tourism market. This study found that there might be a latent unrealised demand for nature tourism among the African and Indian population. It was this broader finding that prompted this study. Information for this study was gathered through household surveys and a two-week on-site survey in a game reserve. Three sets of participants were chosen to participate in this qualitative study. These were African youth (age 18 to 26 years), African adults (>30 years old) with children and finally Indian couples (aged < 30 years). Participants were also chosen based on their current income level or potential incomes once they leave university. In this case, only the middle to upper income group was targeted. All three groups participated in pre field focus groups and a select group were taken to the HluhluwelUmflozi Game Reserve for three days where additional focus groups were held. The methodology also encompassed a literature review, telephonic interviews and field observations. Information gathered during this study was used to understand the reasoning behind the vacation trends of middle to upper income Africans and Indians and to develop a marketing strategy to be used to attract other Africans and Indians to the game reserves of South Africa. The study found that there is a latent unrealised demand for nature tourism among the middle to upper income Africans and Indians. The vacation trends among Africans and Indians are also very similar in that those with families prefer to vacation in large groups cons isting of both friends and families. It was also found that their past vacation destinations included mainly built up, urban areas and that both the African and Indian participants had great misconceptions regarding game reserves. These misconceptions formed part of the reasons for them not vacationing at game reserves. With regards to an advertising strategy, the study found that current advertising strategies are not working. Participants were encouraged to come up with advertising strategies that would entice other middle to upper income African and Indian families to vacation at game reserves. The participants recommended the use of television, cinema, radio , and newspaper advertisements; as well as the use of brochures and competitions to encourage vis itation. Included in their detailed view of how each strategy should play out, they recommended that when developing advertisements and brochures, it is imperative that African and Indian models are used in the adverts. The current advertising only makes use of white models and this discourages potential African and Indian tourists. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.
|
367 |
Participatory approaches and decision-making in the Msunduzi municipal council's local agenda 21 working committee.Sejane, Matseliso A. January 2002 (has links)
The study stemmed from the observation that the Msunduzi Municipal Council has adopted the principles of Agenda 21. The aim was to examine participatory approaches employed by the Local Agenda 21 Working Committee. The research findings have signalled the importance of improving public invol vement in environmental decisionmaking.
Yet the participatory approaches employed by the working committee such as advertisements and council meetings have proved inadequate to effectively meet the challenge of constructively involving the public. One reason is a lack of understanding on what public participation is supposed to accomplish. The Msunduzi Municipal Council is faced with the challenge of making high quality decisions while remaining responsive to the citizens those decisions affect. Meeting the challenge in the environmental policy arena poses particular problems because issues are often technically complex and value-laden, and multiple interests operate. At the same
time , experience with public participation to support the position that involving the public is a mitigated good and more of it is always better, has not yet penetrated council structures.
The Council is increasingly seeking better ways to fulfil its constitutional mandates while constructively engaging the public in environmental decision-making. Representatives of business and civil society are now included in joint forums with the council. They bring with them expertise and local perceptions to the policy-making process. It has been
found out that members of civil society have led the way in showing connections between the environment and development.
The effectiveness of promoting environmental equity depends upon the use of participation methodology that caters to the cultural and socio-economic needs of groups. The use of social capital is one way of organising and ordering individuals into productive associations. Local Agenda 21 makes possible social capital through the involvement of different stakeholders in environmental management and decisionmaking. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.
|
368 |
An investigation of the current perceptions of the UIF policy for domestic workers.Mkhabela, Janet January 2004 (has links)
The study aims to investigate the current perceptions of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIP) for domestic workers in a township called KwaNdengezi, a Durban Metro area, Pretoria section. The study used qualitative research methods to gather and interpret data. A sample consisting of 13 domestic workers, 10 employers of domestic workers, Department of Labour (UIF official) and representative from the South
African Domestic and Allied Workers Union (SADAWU) were interviewed. The
study found that there are negative perceptions about the policy due to the fact that people (employers and domestic workers) do not understand the policy objectives and how the policy tries to meet these objectives. The study also found that SADAWU was participated in setting the agenda for policy by identifying the problems of domestic workers and petitioning government to address them. Lastly, the study highlighted that the main problem with the implementation of the policy was that it was not communicated clearly enough which has led to many misinterpretations of the policy. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.
|
369 |
Policy implementation and street-level bureaucrats' discretion, autonomy and coping mechanisms : a case study of national curriculum statements at a school in Pietermaritzburg.Mutereko, Sybert. January 2009 (has links)
The link between public policies and their desired outcomes has remained an important subject
among scholars and policy makers. Public policies made at the ‘top’ will have to be implemented
at local level by street-level bureaucrats who enjoy a considerable degree of autonomy and
discretion in the execution of their duties. The implementation of the National Curriculum
Statement (NCS) by teachers (street-level bureaucrats) is one such case. Using Lipsky’s streetlevel
bureaucracy as a theoretical framework, this study sought to explore the levels of
discretion, autonomy and coping mechanisms employed by school teachers at a private Christian
school in Pietermaritzburg in the implementation of the NCS.
The study sought to discover if the exercise of autonomy and discretion enhanced the
implementation of NCS. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected by the insider
participant using interviews with school teachers and observational methods. Analyses revealed
that school teachers have considerable discretion in determining the kind of task they assign their
learners. However, there were no significant relationships according to the level of discretion and
teaching experience or level of professional qualifications. Furthermore, the study shows that
most teachers made discretional choices to advance the goals of the Department of Education
and to enhance the understating of learners.
Factors which forced these teachers to use their discretion are due to poorly defined goals,
inadequate resources and excessive workloads. In the face of challenges associated with their
work, the teachers employ coping mechanisms which include ‘creaming’, private goal definition,
modification of the conception of work, ‘rubber stamping’, referrals and real or psychological
withdrawal. The findings of this study also show that school management through routine
supervision and the Department of Education’s Common Tasks Assessments (CTAs) as well as
national examinations curtail the autonomy and discretion of teachers in the implementation of
NCS.
The research reveals that the combination of individual decisions made by each street-level
bureaucrat in effect constitute the policy of NCS through its implementation at school. The
findings also underscore the need for management at all levels to find ways of harnessing the
discretion of street-level bureaucrats which enhance the Department of Education’s goals and
curb those which hamper policy implementation. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.
|
370 |
South African NGOs in transition and the challenge of participatory development.Smith, Terence. January 2001 (has links)
Abstract not available. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.
|
Page generated in 0.0962 seconds