This research was conducted with the intention of accomplishing effective property management (PM) in order for public sector properties in South Africa (SA) SA to fulfil more remarkably, public sector property stakeholders’ requirements. In particular, this study was concluded within a South African municipal environment with the specific purpose of alleviating South African municipalities from problems associated with overall poor operational performance, dissatisfied public sector property stakeholders, and inadequacies in competitiveness and global alignment. The primary objective of this study was to develop a performance model deemed necessary for the effective management of public sector properties in SA. This was achieved by developing a performance model for effective management of public sector properties, a model to systematically monitor, measure and control current expectations and changes within a public sector property management function. Herewith, performance model for effective management of public sector properties in South Africa. At the time of conducting this study, there was no conceptual model developed for performance management of public sector properties. In order to develop the performance model, the conceptual model identified key elements that included: 1) obsolescence and strategic factors; 2) global alignment; 3) finance and cost control; 4) PESTEL impact; 5) transformation and sustainability; 6) leadership and governance; and 7) monitoring, measurement and control as influences that directly impact a perceived successful management of public sector properties in SA. The study also took the form of a quantitative research project that included a formal survey of the identified population sample. The main statistical procedure employed was Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Originally, the study offered 24 hypotheses; however, only 11 hypotheses could be confirmed by SEM measurement. Therefore, through SEM, the significance of the relationships between variables could be tested. Appropriate quantitative data were collected from public and private South African Built Environment professionals, students and other academics. The research made use of snowball sampling through questionnaires, with a sample size of 171. It is anticipated that findings of this study will be acknowledged by public sector PM in an effort to resolve PM problems through the incorporation of pertinent recommendations. Likewise, since the performance model for effective management of public sector properties was not extant prior to this study, this research is cutting-edge and therefore pioneering to PM, especially within the public sector.

M.Sc. (Aquatic Health) / The increased supply of water to areas targeted for development and the concomitant increase in land use and waste disposal activities has lead to the deterioration in the quality of water in South Africa‟s freshwater systems (DWA, 2011a). In order to manage this, the South African Department of Water Affairs (DWA) has developed numerous water quality policies and management approaches. One such approach is the determination and use of Resource Water Quality Objectives (RWQOs) (DWAF, 2006a). Resource Water Quality Objectives are a set of instream water quality objectives that aim to ensure that water that is fit for use is supplied to downstream users through the management and control of upstream impacts (DWAF, 2006b). In this study, site specific RWQOs were determined for the Modder and Riet Rivers as a means of providing a basis for reporting on instream water quality. As with many of the freshwater catchments in South Africa, the Modder-Riet catchment, located in the Free State and Northern Cape Provinces, is a water limited catchment (Slabbert, 2007). Historically most of the Modder and Riet Rivers would typically have had low water yields, with dry periods and pools forming in large endorheic areas (Grobler and Davies, 1981). As the need to supply water for crop production and domestic use grew, various transfer schemes and reservoirs were developed between the Caledon, Orange and Modder-Riet River systems (DWAF, 2006a). In order to distribute this water, various canal systems and operating rules for the storage dams were developed to transport water to the predominantly agricultural and domestic water users in the various parts of the catchment. Much of the water that is used in the Modder-Riet catchment therefore originates from reservoirs and from outside the catchment, completely transforming it from its natural state. This change in land-use and hydrology of the Modder-Riet catchment resulted in a concomitant change in the water quality. Salinisation, microbial contamination and eutrophication have, in particular, been recorded as the most significant problems affecting the fitness for use of the water in the Modder-Riet catchment. In order to manage these water quality problems and the effects on downstream users, a Catchment Management Strategy (CMS) for the Modder-Riet catchment was developed in 2006 which identified the users in the catchment and put forth a set of catchment-wide RWQOs (DWAF, 2006a). Further studies in the area have also subsequently highlighted that, given the current growth in water use, the associated negative water balance and the potential for serious deleterious effects of increased return flows on the water users, the need for improved efficiency of water use and the management of water quality in this catchment (as well as in those catchments which support the Modder and Riet Rivers) will become ever increasingly important (DWA, 2006a; DWA, 2012a; DWA, 2013a). The aim of this study was to: 1) determine whether catchment characteristics, water quality and user requirements across the catchment differed enough to warrant the separation of the catchment into different Management Units (MUs) for which site specific instead of generic RWQOs should be set, 2) to set low confidence level 3 RWQOs for various sites which represent each MU and 3) to determine the implications for the future management of the water quality in the Modder-Riet catchment. Fourteen Level 3 RWQOs for the main constituents of concern, namely phosphate (PO4), ammonia (NH3), ammonium (NH4+), nitrate and nitrite (NO3 + NO2-N), Escherichia coliform (E. coli), Electrical Conductivity (EC), chloride (Cl), sodium (Na), the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), aluminium (Al) and fluoride (F), were determined at strategic sites within six water quality MUs. These MUs were roughly the same as those determined in the Modder-Riet CMS, with a few exceptions:  the Upper and Middle Riet MUs from the CMS were not found to be different enough in terms of land use and water quality to warrant their separation and in this study were lumped together to form the Upper Riet MU, and  the Lower Riet MU from the CMS did not take account of the operation of the Kalkfontein and Orange-Riet transfer schemes which, in this study, resulted in the delineation of the Middle Riet River MU from Kalkfontein Dam to the outlet of Kalkfontein Canal and the Lower Riet MU from below the Kalkfontein Canal end point on the Riet River and the transfer site on the Modder River (at Scholzburg Weir) to just above the zone of influence from the Vaal River on the lower Riet River below Soutpansdrift. As with the delineation of the MUs, the location of the RWQO sites were determined in consultation with the Modder-Riet Catchment Management Forum (CMF) and were based on 1) their ability to exercise control over the quality of water entering a MU (resulting from upstream water uses) and 2) the need to provide water that is fit for use for the downstream users in areas of similar land uses. Within each MU, additional sites were added that would ensure fitness for use at specific strategic points. Since the RWQOs that were set at these sites were based predominantly on the current state of the water quality in the Modder and Riet Rivers they varied widely, with the strictest RWQOs being set for the transfers from the Caledon River via Novo Transfer Scheme, at Mazelspoort Weir on the Modder River and within the Kalkfontein Canal at the outlet of Kalkfontein Dam on the Riet River. Whether the status quo should be maintained, improved or allowed to deteriorate was determined by considering the water quality management vision and goals for the catchment, the water quality needs of the downstream users and the potential impact on the upstream uses. Although the RWQOs in almost all cases were more stringent than those set for Modder and Riet Rivers in the. CMS, of greater significance was the variation between the RWQOs set at each of the sites. By using the current state of water quality as a reflection of fluvial processes (such as assimilation, deposition and dilution), the RWQOs in this study took account of the differences in the effects of the various land uses and allowed for the determination of objectives which were tailored to specific areas of the catchment. They therefore more accurately represented the user requirements and the need for interventions. The RWQOs set by the CMS on the other hand were applied at catchment scale (i.e. there was one set of RWQOs for the entire catchment) and as such may have been too lenient in some areas and too strict in others. Thus although broad scale objectives set by the CMS may be useful for water quality assessments in the Modder-Riet catchment, the need to account for differences in local factors which influence water quality across the catchment (such as the presence of multiple transfer systems and large dams, and variations in land and water use) would warrant the determination of level 3 RWQOs. Based on an assessment of the compliance to the RWQOs over the past three to five years, PO4, NH3, EC, E.coli and Al were identified as the major water quality variables which have the potential to impact on the downstream users and for which Source Management Objectives (SMOs) and water quality allocation, management and implementation plans for the urban and agricultural sectors will be required. This is especially evident in the middle Modder and lower Riet catchments as well as below the numerous small urban areas which occur throughout the catchment. Key factors which have been highlighted for consideration in the future management of water quality in these catchments include inter alia: the consideration of appropriate water quality models, the development and implementation of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) and the improved management of Sewerage Treatment Works (STWs). In addition, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and metals such as Al, chromium and manganese have been identified as potential variables which may affect users and for which further investigations are required. In conclusion, the hypothesis that that “the characteristics of the Modder-Riet catchment were different enough to warrant the determination of level 3 RWQOs, where in the more impacted portions of the catchment, water quality stress would be evident and would require a number of source directed interventions” could be accepted. It was however also found that interventions to improve instream water quality should not only be based on Source Directed Controls (SDCs) in their strictest sense, but should also incorporate aspects of good governance and effective regulation. This includes improved co-ordination of water quality monitoring and data management and reporting, effective and sustained capacity building and community learning and the establishment of functional, multi-scale feedback mechanisms. The application of the principles of Strategic Adaptive Management (SAM) was also identified a key element in the future management of water quality in this catchment.

This Research Report that this research was motivated by the fact that despite thetremendous achievements have been realized from the successful implementation ofgovernment programmes and projects related the construction and refurbishment of medical facilities, educational, bridges and road infrastructure facilities. Trends indicate that only iota of evidence implies that the concept of risk management is fully integrated and embraced as part of a culture for ensuring the successful project implementation by the Modern South African public sector organizations. Empirical research revealed that the common types of risks that have been affecting the successful implementation of government projects and programmes include: riots, fraud, corruption, changes in demographic figures, outsourcing risks, and floods and changes in weather. Most of the participants stated that risks associated with riots do not only arise from the riots within the government departments, but also in the external environment. In terms of the internal riots, they revealed that when the employees go on strike or riots on their own or in solidarity with the other trade unions, leading to the process for the implementation of government projects and programmes being affected. Yet, in certain cases, they noted that internal riots or strikes most occur as preceded by rumours that the riots by a particular union will take place and may significantly affect the ongoing process of implementation of government programmes. Besides risks associated with the internal riots by the employees and the communities, the interview findings also indicated that the other forms of risks arise from the strikes and riots by the private enterprises.

Global trends in teleost fisheries indicate significant population declines. Thus, alternative fisheries are being developed to meet the growing economic and nutritional demands of the expanding human population. Recently, it has been established that elasmobranch fisheries may fulfill these demands. As many elasmobranchs possess life-history characteristics that make them particularly vulnerable to overfishing, it is imperative to develop management strategies prior to the inception of these fisheries to ensure sustainable resource utilisation. In South Africa, elasmobranchs have been commercially exploited since the 1930s. Although generally considered an under-exploited resource, the potential for growth within these fisheries has been recognized. In 2005, the commercial shark fishery will undergo a transition from medium to long-term rights allocations. This represents an ideal opportunity for scientists and managers to develop precautionary species-specific management plans for commercially exploitable elasmobranch species. The soupfin shark (Galeorhinus galeus) is one of the principal target species in South Africa’s shark fisheries. Given its inherent susceptibility to overexploitation, G. galeus was selected as a management priority by South Africa’s regional fisheries organisation. The purpose of this study was to examine and describe the stock status of G. galeus in South Africa, and to develop a precautionary fishery management plan to ensure the sustainability of this resource. Age, growth, and mortality calculations for G. galeus were made from research survey data collected between 1996 and 1999. A small sample size precluded independent analyses of females. The maximum recorded age for G. galeus was 33 years. Estimated von Bertalanffy growth parameters from observed length-at-age for males and combined sexes were: L∞ 1542.8 mm TL, K 0.21 year⁻¹ , t₀ -2.79 year⁻¹ and L∞ 1560.3 mm TL, K 0.19 year¹, t₀ -3.03 year⁻¹, respectively. The age-at-50% maturity was determined to be 6 years, corresponding to 1011 mm TL for males and 1100 mm TL for combined sexes. Natural mortality was calculated as 0.126 yr⁻¹. The rate of instantaneous total mortality was calculated as 0.27 yr⁻¹. Catch trend analysis showed that catches and CPUE of G. galeus are increasing in the demersal longline fishery, and decreasing in the handline fishery. Decreasing catches and CPUE were observed in fishery-independent research survey data. The status of the soupfin shark stock was modelled using per-recruit analysis. The SB/R model indicated the soupfin shark is being optimally exploited and spawner biomass is at 43% of preexploitation levels. Current fishing levels ( F = 0.14 yr⁻¹) approximate the Fsb₄₀ level (F = 0.17 yr¹); thus, an increase in fishing pressure may lead to stock collapse. It was determined that the current age-at-capture (7.9 years) should be increased to 10 years, or 1420 mm TL, to maximize yield and minimize the possibility of recruitment failure. The results of this study indicate a need for immediate scientific and management intervention in South Africa’s soupfin shark fishery. An assessment report and fishery management plan for G. galeus was compiled, and several management options were proposed. These include the implementation of licence and size restrictions, as well as seasonal/area closures. The potential for an experimental gillnet fishery should be investigated.

The overall aim of this thesis, as required by the funders, was to provide research that would contribute towards the development of a bay management plan, specifically information on the local fisheries. The thesis therefore includes an assessment of the local shore-based linefishery in terms of catch and effort and socio-economics, and the development of indicators from this information with which to assess the sustainability of the fishery. Finally an implementation strategy for an integrated coastal management approach for local resource governance is proposed The shore-based linefishery of Plettenberg Bay was assessed through a combination of roving creel and access point surveys which included questions aimed at the quantification of total effort, total catch and cpue, as well as the spatial trends in catch and effort. Angler demographics as well as opinions and knowledge of current fisheries regulations were obtained and the efficiency of the fishery inspectorate was assessed. The survey period extended from August 2003 to September 2004 during which 1189 angler interviews were conducted. Catch data obtained during this study was compared to catch data gathered during a research tagging program conducted in an area closed to fishing (Tsitsikamma National Park) and a semi-open area (Rebelsrus – Cape St. Francis), thereby highlighting differences in species composition, abundance and size distribution of certain species between areas of differing fishing pressures. The fishery surveys revealed that the shore-based fishery is primarily recreational (99%) and dominated by white males. Most anglers agreed with the current fisheries regulations (60%) and admitted to abiding by them, however when tested on the regulations of their target species, their knowledge was poor. Effort in the fishery was highly seasonal with peaks coinciding with major school holidays. Total annual effort was estimated at 102 566 angler-hours, with distinct spatial patterns in effort. Total annual catch for the Plettenberg Bay shore-based linefishery was estimated at 31 217 fish.year⁻¹ with a total mass of 13.6 tons. Thirty-six fish species (26 teleost species and 10 elasmobranchs species) were identified during the survey period with Blacktail Diplodus capensis, Strepie Sarpa salpa, Red tjor-tjor Pagellus natalensis, Shad Pomatomus saltatrix and Sand steenbras Lithognathus mormyrus being the five most commonly caught species. Only 32% of interviewed anglers were successful in catching a fish with just 22% catching their primary target species. In addition, a large proportion of the anglers (69%) reported a decline in catch rate, with most blaming the commercial sector as a reason for the decline. The overall catch rate was (cpue) 0.374 fish.angler.hour⁻¹ or 170 grams.angler.hour⁻¹, considerably lower than that obtained from the fishery exempt area (TNP = 1. 02 fish.angler.hour⁻¹) and the partially exploited area (Rebelsrus = 0.91 fish.angler.hour⁻¹). In terms of species composition the most obvious difference between the three areas was the low proportion of non-migratory reef-associated species like red roman, poenskop, John brown, santer and bronze bream in Plettenberg Bay. Size comparisons revealed that the majority of species (particularly reef-associated species) were larger in the TNP than both the semi-exploited (Rebelsrus) and exploited area (Plettenberg Bay). Collectively theses findings suggest that certain species have been locally depleted, that recreational fishing has impacted heavily on the fish stocks and that even partial closure or limited access to an area can offer protection. From the results key issues were identified and sustainability indicators proposed according to the three sustainability domains (ecological, institutional and social) proposed by Pajak (2000). Within the ecological domain the most pertinent issue was the low catch rate, particularly for reef-associated species. Indicators to track these issues included: percentage of successful trips (where fish were caught), percentage of anglers that reached their daily bag limits and the proportion of the overall catch that comprised larger, more desirable species. Institutionally the most pertinent issue was the apparent inability of management institutions to manage effectively marine resources within Plettenberg Bay. Indicators within this domain included the proportion of anglers who were inspected, the existence of a localised management plan and an associated monitoring programme. Socially the fishery proved to be fairly sustainable. Indicators included in this domain were the proportion of subsistence anglers in the local fishing community, the percentage of correct answers pertaining to current fishery regulations, the level of noncompliance and the percentage of undersize fish retained. Aggregation of all the indicators within a sustainability matrix revealed that the Plettenberg Bay shore-based linefishery was unsustainable and thus requires increased local management effort. Since there is no local management strategy in place, an integrated coastal management approach for the governance of the coastal resources in Plettenberg Bay has been proposed. The development of a Coastal Management Plan and a subsidiary Bay Management Plan provide the frameworks within which management strategies can be put into operation.

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (MSc (Entomology))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted

This dissertation summarises an analysis and assessment of the application of Quality Management Systems (QMS) by Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), in the Engineering Manufacturing Sector of the greater Cape Town Metropolitan area. An outline of the existing hypothesis derived from previous international SMME studies related to the adoption of QMS by SMME’s, the management’s understanding of quality principles, the potential business benefits of QMS and the reasons for implementing Quality Management systems are given as background to the study. The dissertation includes a discussion of literature on the state of QMS in SMMEs, in particular, recent international research literature hypothesising that SMME management lack essential QMS knowledge and that, in general, most SMME’s do not have a QMS and that SMMEs only implement a QMS as a result of contractual pressures / requirements. Also reported are the results and findings of a survey conducted to test the validity of the existing hypotheses amongst a representative sample of Engineering Manufacturing SMMEs registered with the Cape Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Western Cape. Results of the survey indicate that almost 90 percent, of the companies surveyed had some type of Quality management System, the only two companies that reported not having a QMS, were companies classified as “Micro”, in terms of the National Small business Act. Analysis of the response to the survey concludes that, in general, more than 80 percent of Engineering SMMEs in the Manufacturing Sector have adopted a QMS based on ISO 9001 and that, on average, their management have a medium to high level of understanding of QMS and the associated business benefits. It is also apparent from survey responses, that companies classified as “Micro” in terms of the Small Business Act of 1996, do not see the need for a formal QM system as the owners of these companies consider them too small for a formal QMS. Instead they take direct ownership of their service and product quality in the face of the customer.

M.Ing. (Engineering Management) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

D. Tech (Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / The expectation by South Africans is that the public sector must contribute positively to the economy. However, the general perception is that the public sector is failing to fulfil its mandate due to systemic problems in the entire public sector. Its supply chain in South Africa is both volatile and imperfect. This is demonstrated by the level of service delivery protests, which emanate from the feeling that the public is not receiving the quantity or quality service that they need. This study aimed to assess the relationship between supply chain risks, supply chain flexibility and supply chain performance in the South African public sector. A conceptual framework was developed, which included six supply chain risk factors, namely, government policies, supply complexity, availability of skills, supplier performance monitoring, information security and process efficiency, which feed into supply chain flexibility, which in turn leads to supply chain performance. Seven hypotheses underlying these relationships were put forward for testing. A quantitative approach using the cross-sectional survey design was adopted in which a questionnaire was distributed to 306 conveniently selected supply chain professionals who were based in Gauteng province. Items used in the survey questionnaire were adapted from previously validated scales. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the psychometric properties of the measurement instrument. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the perceptions of respondents towards the factors under consideration in the study. Hypotheses were tested using the structural equation modelling approach. The results of the study show that the threat from supply chain risks in the South African public sector remains high, and that flexibility and performance of the supply chain remains unsatisfactory. Hypotheses tests showed that all six supply chain risks significantly predicted supply chain performance. While the other supply chain risks were positively related to supply chain flexibility, the relationship between the flexibility and supply complexity was negative. Amongst the supply chain risks considered in this study, availability of skills emerged as the strongest predictor of supply chain flexibility. The study further showed that supply chain flexibility significantly and positively predicts supply chain performance. Theoretically, the study provides a specific conceptualization of the relationship between supply chain risks, supply chain flexibility and supply chain performance within the South African public sector, where no such study has been conducted before. Practically, it provides information to supply chain professionals in the South African public sector regarding the improvement of supply chain performance. The study underscores that the performance public supply chain in South Africa can be improved by managing the six risks considered in this study, and their contribution to supply chain flexibility.

Purpose – This research paper falls within the interpretive research philosophy and considers talent management within the field of competitive advantage. It aims to explore the organisation members’ perceptions of talent, talent management, the factors perceived to facilitate competitive advantage and the role of leadership in the facilitation of talent management. It attempts to achieve a greater understanding of talent management as practically applied by organisations. Design/Methodology – A qualitative research approach in collecting and analysing data was implemented for this particular research study to address the research problem. The research design consists of a qualitative case study of one organisation. The organisation was purposively selected due to its superior performance in its particular industry. The data was collected by using in-depth interviews and observation and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Organisational documents supplemented the data collection process. Rationale – Current talent management literature shows a lack of understanding of talent and the role leadership plays in talent management. A number of authors have called for research which focuses on the perspectives of all stakeholders, especially at the individual level. It was also suggested that greater focus is allocated to small to medium enterprises, as multi-national corporations dominated the current literature. This research paper has the potential to increase levels of understanding at both organisation and individual level. This study examined TM from a range of perspectives, focused on a smaller organisation and is one of the few qualitative studies in the world within a developing country—research that is lacking in the literature. Findings – Participants held different views on talent and talent management, supporting the lack of consensus on these topics and the lack of a standardised understanding. The findings highlight that talent management was mostly perceived to involve the correct positioning of people within the organisation and that talent involved skills, knowledge and abilities to perform their roles well. Organisational structure, processes, and the lack of leadership ability were perceived as the dominant factors affecting the effective implementation of talent management practices. Talent management was perceived as important by the middle and lower-level participants of the study and was perceived as not important by higher-level participants—a contrasting finding due to the fact that the higher-level candidates felt that it was important to retain staff, understood the consequences of staff loss and that it was difficult to replace talent. Theoretical and managerial implications – The findings correspond with previous studies that the understanding of talent management is still lacking and thus potentially jeopardizes shaping a competitive advantage. The leadership cadre at the case organisation failed to see the importance of talent management and failed to link talent management to competitive advantage and ultimately failed to strategise potential talent management practices and effective talent management implementation. The modern business environment is changing and the realisation that talent management is of crucial importance to sustained competitive advantage is becoming evident. Limitations – The main source of error was a potential bias of results and a lack of rigorous data analysis, which was overcome by attending to the reliability of the research. Future research – There is potential for further empirical research to be conducted in other industries while maintaining focus on smaller businesses. The focus must also be maintained on the perspectives of all stakeholders in organisations. / Business Management / M. Com.