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A prehospital randomised controlled trial in South Africa : challenges and lessons learnt

- Stassen, Willem, Wallis, Lee, Castren, Maaret, Vincent-Lambert, Craig, Kurland, Lisa

An assessment of transformation strategies in South Africa: A multi-case study of the accounting, financial services, government, and construction sectors

- Musonda, Innocent, Gumbo, Trynos, Okoro, Chioma

  • Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Gumbo, Trynos , Okoro, Chioma
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Built environment , Socio-economic , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/405000 , uj:33989 , Citation: Musonda, I., Gumbo, T., Okoro, C. 2019 : An assessment of transformation strategies in South Africa: A multi-case study of the accounting, financial services, government, and construction sectors.
  • Description: Abstract : Globally, transformation is etched in all sectors of the economy. In the South African context, transformation is viewed as the catalyst to address the country’s socio-economic problems and their associated impact on different sectors and the economy at large. However, progress on transformation within the built environment has been slow in comparison with other sectors of the economy. As a result, this has led to a need to examine the transformation processes in the country. This article aims to analyse transformation strategies as conceptualised and implemented by various sectors. The article is based on a multi-case study of identified sectors and organisations that have developed and implemented transformation strategies. The materials used to conduct the study include sector transformation strategies, charters, journal articles, articles published in reputable South African newspapers, organisation reports, information publicly available on the internet, and interviews conducted with sector representatives. The findings show that, for all sectors, transformation strategies are driven through skills development of human resources, with a view to redressing historical imbalances and providing equal opportunities. The process of strategy development involves sector- wide participation and having a champion for the strategy. In order to ensure that strategies are implemented, specific structured training and education programmes from the grassroots to professional level, as well as monitoring of progress are emphasised. Recommendations are made in line with the findings in order to guide the Council for the Built Environment in the development of a strategy for the built environment.
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An exploratory factor analysis of transportation project sustainability indicators : a case of projects in South Africa

- Okoro, Chioma, Musonda, Innocent, Agumba, Justus Ngala

  • Authors: Okoro, Chioma , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus Ngala
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Infrastructure , Performance , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/396810 , uj:32956 , Citation: Okoro, C., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J.N. 2019. An exploratory factor analysis of transportation project sustainability indicators: a case of projects in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: Sustainable transportation is vital since its impact traverses generations. The concept of sustainable transportation is known to account for incorporation of various elements including environmental, economic, social and institutional factors. The current study employed exploratory factor analytic technique using maximum likelihood factoring to identify critical indicators for assessing transportation infrastructure projects in South Africa. Using purposive and snowball sampling, a questionnaire was distributed via email, google forms and by hand, to project managers, directors, construction managers, planners and feasibility study consultants involved in transportation projects at different stages, in the nine provinces of South Africa. Empirical data amassed from 132 responses, were analysed using SPSS version 25 software.s Descriptive analyses were used for preliminary analyses. Inferential statistics was conducted using exploratory factor analysis, to output common factors and the minimum number of variables that were related to each construct. Findings revealed that a four-factor structure including infrastructure condition and impacts, user acceptability, financial management and safety and security, can adequately measure transportation infrastructure project sustainability. By establishing critical indicators for assessing transportation projects, the study provides relevant evidence to develop strategies to ensure that such investments bring lasting and desirable impacts in the long run. The study was conducted in South Africa and may not be generalisable to other geographical regions, which may have differing priorities with regard to sustainable performance of transport infrastructure. Further studies are on-going to validate the four-factor structure using confirmatory factor analytical techniques.
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Barriers to career progression of Black African middle managers : the South African perspective

- Mayiya, Sive-Thina, Schachtebeck, Chris, Diniso, Chuma

  • Authors: Mayiya, Sive-Thina , Schachtebeck, Chris , Diniso, Chuma
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: South Africa , Banking sector , Career progression
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/291751 , uj:31693 , Citation: Mayiya, S.T., Schachtebeck, C. & Diniso, C. 2019. Barriers to career progression of Black African middle managers : the South African perspective.
  • Description: Abstract: The primary objective of this research is to assess the perceptions of black African middle managers on barriers to career progression. While a number of studies have investigated barriers to career progression among previously disadvantaged individuals, no study has focused on the perceptions of middle managers on the barriers to career progression amongst black Africans in the workplace. The study was qualitative in nature, employing a purposive sampling approach. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews amongst 18 black African middle managers in two major South African banks. Results indicate that a lack of exposure to senior managerial duties, lack of career guidance and support, demographic composition of senior management, as well as perceived unequal career opportunities present barriers to career progression. The value of the research lies in the practical changes banks can make to Human Resource practices and policies to overcome current challenges. The paper is of value to managers and HR professionals in the banking sector by addressing a major South African labour market issue.
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Dimensions of perceived risk of mobile banking apps: an empirical investigation of South African retail banking customers

- Thusi, Philile, Maduku, Daniel K.

  • Authors: Thusi, Philile , Maduku, Daniel K.
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: South Africa , Perceived risk , Mobile banking apps
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/405025 , uj:33992 , Citation: Thusi, P., Maduku, D.K., 2019 : Dimensions of perceived risk of mobile banking apps: an empirical investigation of South African retail banking customers.
  • Description: Abstract : Banking transactions carried out in the uncertain conditions of mobile commerce involve high levels of perceived risk and require substantial levels of trust. Therefore, gaining customer trust and reducing the influence of risk is imperative to developing and nurturing long-lasting and strong relationship between customers and retail banks. However, limited research is currently investigating the effects of overall perceived risk and trust on retail banking customers use of mobile commerce, particularly from the perspective of emerging African economies. This study investigates the effects of perceived risk and institution-based trust on the use of mobile banking apps among South African retail bank customers. The model was tested using responses obtained from 352 users of the mobile banking services of the five major retail banks (ABSA, Capitec, FNB, Nedbank, and Standard Bank) in South Africa. The findings of this study suggest that institution-based trust has a significant positive influence on use behaviour of mobile banking apps. Furthermore, perceived risk has a significant negative influence on use behaviour; and, lastly, institution-based trust is found to have a significant negative influence on perceived risk.
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Economic policy uncertainty and herding behaviour : evidence from the South African housing market

- Cakan, Esin, Demirer, Riza, Gupta, Rangan, Uwilingiye, Josine

Environmental health practitioners potentially play a key role in helping communities adapt to climate change

- Shezi, Busisiwe, Mathee, Angela, Siziba, Wellington, Street, Renée A., Naicker, Nisha, Kunene, Zamantimande, Wright, Caradee Y.

  • Authors: Shezi, Busisiwe , Mathee, Angela , Siziba, Wellington , Street, Renée A. , Naicker, Nisha , Kunene, Zamantimande , Wright, Caradee Y.
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Climate change , Environmental health , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/397373 , uj:33026 , Citation: Shezi, B. et al. 2019. Environmental health practitioners potentially play a key role in helping communities adapt to climate change. BMC Public Health (2019) 19:54 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6378-5
  • Description: Abstract: Background: Vulnerable population groups in South Africa, especially those living in poverty, young children, women, the elderly and people with pre-existing diseases, are susceptible to new or exacerbated health threats resulting from climate change. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) can play an important role in helping communities adapt to climate change health impacts, however, effective coordination of this requires further understanding of their roles in implementing climate change-related adaptation actions in communities. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was undertaken at the January 2017 conference for EHPs hosted by the South African Institute of Environmental Health in Cape Town. All EHPs who attended the conference were invited to complete a study questionnaire that requested information on participant demographics, as well as climate change related-knowledge, practices and perceptions. Results: Majority of participating EHPs (n = 48; 72.8%) had received formal or informal training on climate change and health. Thirty-nine percent of EHPs indicated that they had a climate change and health-related committee / working group in their department, a policy or strategy (41.0%) and budget allocated for climate change and health-related work (51.5%). A total of 33.3% had participated in climate change-related projects. Majority (62.2%) of EHPs believed that they should play a supportive role in addressing climate change while 37.8% believed that EHPs should play a leading role. Conclusions: Recognising the need for raising awareness about climate change adaptation as well as implementing appropriate interventions to combat climate-related ill health effects, especially among vulnerable groups, EHPs are wellplaced to adopt significant roles in helping communities to adapt to climate change.
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Evaluating the experience of students as actors in a people intensive service delivery system

- Stiehler-Mulder, Beate, Wait, Marius

  • Authors: Stiehler-Mulder, Beate , Wait, Marius
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Students , South Africa , Service design
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/406636 , uj:34196 , Citation: Stiehler-Mulder, B., Wait, M. 2019 : Evaluating the experience of students as actors in a people intensive service delivery system.
  • Description: Abstract : South Africa’s higher education landscape has gone through some turbulent waters of late. Students play a fundamental role in this intensive university service delivery system. This study’s aim was to evaluate students’ needs, frustrations, challenges, experiences and emotions as actors within a people intensive higher education service delivery system. It places the student as the center of the service design approach and highlights several areas of exploration wherein students are actors within the system. The study adopted a qualitative approach. Several group interviews were conducted with students. The collected data was analysed using an inductive content analysis approach. The main results indicated that overall the students’ experience and emotions are positive, albeit a few areas of improvement is needed. Students need extra attention during their first year of study and some of the service departments need improvement. The contributions of this study are on the practical implementation of an improved service design and eliminating these service gaps.
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Exploring parental and driver knowledge, use and beliefs of child restraints such as infant car seats, toddler seats and booster seats in South Africa

- Smit, E., Roberts-Lombard, M., Goldman, G.

  • Authors: Smit, E. , Roberts-Lombard, M. , Goldman, G.
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: South Africa , Child restraints , Parents
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/402127 , uj:33638 , Citation: Smit, E., Roberts-Lombard, M. & Goldman, G. 2019. Exploring parental and driver knowledge, use and beliefs of child restraints such as infant car seats, toddler seats and booster seats in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to determine parents’ and drivers’ knowledge, use and beliefs of child restraints amongst lower middle-class groups in South Africa. The study was qualitative in nature, and data was collected from parents or drivers of children aged birth - 11 with a motor vehicle in Gauteng. Through the application of the convenience sampling technique, a total of 14 parents and drivers with children at selected pre-schools and primary schools, who are in the lower middleclass groups and who reside in the cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, were selected. The Morse and Field Approach was used to analyse the data because the steps of this data analysis method are clear, easy to follow and comprehensible. There is a lack of knowledge and usage of child restraints among lower middle-class parents and drivers within Gauteng. The results also indicate that there are variables that are predictive of age-appropriate restraint use and knowledge, and that parents hold specific beliefs around child restraints. Lastly, the results indicated that the parents and drivers have rarely seen any advertisements on child restraints in South Africa. By exploring the topic of usage, knowledge, beliefs and the social marketing of child restraints, strategies have been identified on how to overcome the major challenge of child injuries in motor vehicle accidents in South Africa. This study promotes child restraint usage on South African roads and assists organisations in South Africa to better understand that social marketing is necessary to change the behaviour of parents with regard to child restraints usage.
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Factors contributing to high growth in SMMEs in Gauteng

- Metz, Thaddeus

  • Authors: Metz, Thaddeus
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Small , Micro and medium-sized enterprises , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404804 , uj:33964 , Citation: Metz, T. 2019. Factors contributing to high growth in SMMEs in Gauteng.
  • Description: Abstract: South Africa is in desperate need to grow the population of high growth SMMEs, as these businesses are key to job creation, innovation efforts, poverty alleviation, promoting economic growth and contributing meaningfully to the South African tax base. This study aims to identify the factors contributing to the high growth of SMMEs in the Gauteng province in South Africa. The study further aimed to determine how the high-growth SMME sector could be nurtured, from the perspective of existing high-growth SMME owners who have experienced more than 20% growth in the past three years. The study was qualitative in nature and made use of semi-structured interviews with sixteen SMME owners based at Incubation Hubs in Gauteng. Data were analysed by means of thematic content analysis. This study concludes that this particular sector plays a significant role within South Africa’s economy. However, for this sector to continue growing, SMMEs need to equip themselves with managerial and industry skills, have a good financing model in place and be provided with government support through policies and development finance. The study is of value to existing SMMEs struggling who can use the identified factors to promote growth internally, as well as to policymakers to structure interventions to promote high growth in existing SMMEs.
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Factors contributing to high growth in SMMEs in Gauteng

- Ndweni, Ennie, Mocwaledi, Morongwa, Mahlangu, Sibusiso, Schachtebeck, Chris

  • Authors: Ndweni, Ennie , Mocwaledi, Morongwa , Mahlangu, Sibusiso , Schachtebeck, Chris
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Small , Micro and medium-sized enterprises , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/407585 , uj:34314 , Citation: Ndweni, E. et al. 2019: Factors contributing to high growth in SMMEs in Gauteng.
  • Description: Abstract: South Africa is in desperate need to grow the population of high growth SMMEs, as these businesses are key to job creation, innovation efforts, poverty alleviation, promoting economic growth and contributing meaningfully to the South African tax base. This study aims to identify the factors contributing to the high growth of SMMEs in the Gauteng province in South Africa. The study further aimed to determine how the high-growth SMME sector could be nurtured, from the perspective of existing high-growth SMME owners who have experienced more than 20% growth in the past three years. The study was qualitative in nature and made use of semi-structured interviews with sixteen SMME owners based at Incubation Hubs in Gauteng. Data were analysed by means of thematic content analysis. This study concludes that this particular sector plays a significant role within South Africa’s economy. However, for this sector to continue growing, SMMEs need to equip themselves with managerial and industry skills, have a good financing model in place and be provided with government support through policies and development finance. The study is of value to existing SMMEs struggling who can use the identified factors to promote growth internally, as well as to policymakers to structure interventions to promote high growth in existing SMMEs.
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From the earth of Africa : Q research in South Africa

- Howes, Llewellyn

Globalisation, internationalisation and export opportunities for South Africa

- Bronkhorst, Seugnet, Nieuwenhuizen, Cecile

  • Authors: Bronkhorst, Seugnet , Nieuwenhuizen, Cecile
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Globalisation , Internationalisation , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/406750 , uj:34211 , Citation: Bronkhorst, S. & Nieuwenhuizen, C. 2019. Globalisation, internationalisation and export opportunities for South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: The economic resources of capital, technology, and data as well as the exchange of goods and funds and the agriculture supply sector all become part of the ‘border-less world’. The Government and private organisations are arduously demanding factors to stimulate growth in the South African economy through various strategies and comprehend export development as a priority. The Department of Trade and Industry grow the export base and increase exports from South Africa as well as develop an approach to export expansion supported by strategic export promotion in line with global best practice resulting in the Integrated National Export Strategy (INES) or ‘Export 2030’. Within the demand for wood, South Africa has the opportunity to increase its wood supply into world markets in the future to various countries and indications are of countries and regions which might be future potential markets with this research main aim towards entering the European Union market. South Africa may enter the EU markets without any tariff barriers because it falls under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). However, South African produce still have to meet certain requirements to enter the EU market, for example, they have to provide evidence of origin to EU customs in the form of a Certificate of Origin and the wood or articles therefore must be transported directly to the EU from the country of origin. There are a number of non-tariff measures (NTMs) for wood products, being more complex than tariffs and more difficult to gauge their impact with an even greater trade-restricting effect than tariffs. One of these measure is the use of import quotas for forest products is declining, resulting in difficulties. However, the use of export restrictions, particularly on logs, has been increasing, and had a major impact on trade in forest products.
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Historicising perceptions and the national management framework for invasive alien plants in South Africa

- Bennett, Brett M., Van Sittert, Lance

  • Authors: Bennett, Brett M. , Van Sittert, Lance
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Culture-nature , Invasive alien plant , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/403799 , uj:33851 , Citation: Bennett, B.M. & Van Sittert, L. 2019. Historicising perceptions and the national management framework for invasive alien plants in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: This article offers a historical framework for understanding changes to human perceptions and efforts to manage invasive alien plants and weeds in South Africa from the mid-nineteenth century until the present. The article argues that South African legislation and policy for managing invasive alien plants and weeds has historically been limited because people have held contradictory values about plants, many private land owners have lacked resources and have not been compelled to follow government legislation, and because policy has reflected the interests of a small group of farmers or scientific experts who have had limited influence on most private land owners and traditional land users. Successful control efforts often relied on technical expertise that was applied controversially or could be implemented on government land without extensive public consultation or social conflict. The creation of a national framework for invasive alien plants through the Working for Water Programme in 1995 and National Environmental Management of Biodiversity Act (no. 10) of 2004 (NEMBA) has increased public awareness, but the Programme and NEMBA remain limited by many of the same institutional and social constraints that experts and institutions faced in the past. In conclusion, the article draws on history to provide insights to contemporary challenges.
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Human capital development (HCD) risks in the African hospitality industry

- Mara, Cashandra, Govender, Cookie, Makka, Anoosha

Intrapreneurial orientation in small and medium-sized enterprises : an exploration at the employee level

- Schachtebeck, Chris, Groenewald, Darelle, Nieuwenhuizen, Cecile

Preliminary demographics for patients with keratoconus attending a university-based clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa

- Chetty, Elizabeth, Rubin, Alan

The rise of the social enterprise – an entrepreneurial gender perspective

- Teles, Daniella, Schachtebeck, Chris

  • Authors: Teles, Daniella , Schachtebeck, Chris
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Entrepreneurial orientation , South Africa , Social enterprises
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/402611 , uj:33699 , Citation: Teles, D. & Schachtebeck, C. 2019. The rise of the social enterprise – an entrepreneurial gender perspective.
  • Description: Abstract: South Africa’s socio-economic landscape is plagued by persistently high rates of unemployment, poverty, joblessness and sluggish economic growth. These economic conditions have resulted in a reduction in government expenditure, as well as a struggle for survival. The social enterprise sector is absorbing much of this burden by attempting to alleviate social ills. Yet, the failure rates and lack of entrepreneurial spirit in social enterprises is concerning. Additionally, little insight exists whether social enterprises are entrepreneurial, as well as whether gender plays a role in this regard. The purpose of this study is to therefore determine whether gender differences exist in entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of South African social enterprises. This study was quantitative in nature, making use of an adapted measuring instrument based on prominent EO instruments. The study was conducted in social enterprises across South Africa, with 342 responses being received. Data was analysed by means of an exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis (through the Cronbach Alpha coefficient), as well as t-tests. Results indicated that only two dimensions of EO showed statistically significant differences between genders, namely proactiveness and competitive aggressiveness, with the risk-taking, innovativeness and autonomy dimensions showing no differences. The study is of value to social enterprises in South Africa as little research in EO has been conducted in this sector, thereby providing preliminary insights into gender specific differences in EO.
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Validating a framework of transportation infrastructure project sustainability measures

- Okoro, Chioma Sylvia, Musonda, Innocent, Agumba, Justus Ngala

  • Authors: Okoro, Chioma Sylvia , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus Ngala
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Confirmatory factor analysis , Infrastructure , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/407489 , uj:34302 , Citation: Okoro, C.S., Musonda, I., Agumba, J.N. 2019: Validating a framework of transportation infrastructure project sustainability measures.
  • Description: Abstract: t Purpose of this paper Transportation infrastructure contributes significantly to any economy. However, the long-lasting nature of such projects is threatened if sustainability elements are not taken cognizance of during the planning and operation stages of the projects. The objective of the current study is to validate a structure of transportation project sustainability measures to evaluate projects and ensure continual delivery of intended benefits in the long run. Design Empirical data were collected using a field questionnaire survey developed from literature review and a preliminary qualitative inquiry. A total of 132 built environment professionals were included based on purposeful and snowball sampling techniques. A model-generating confirmatory factor analysis was undertaken to validate underlying structures of sustainability measures. Findings The findings validated that a four-factor structure, with eleven variables, could adequately measure transportation infrastructure project sustainability (PS). The CFA structure achieved construct, convergent and discriminant validity, with fewer variables than theorised and established in the exploratory factor analysis. Value The validated four-factor structure is envisaged to be beneficial to transportation infrastructure project stakeholders in better decision-making with regard to selecting worthwhile projects as well as monitor operational projects with the aim of delivering long-term benefits to generations of users.
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Validity and reliability of a transportation infrastructure sustainable performance framework : a study of transport projects in South Africa

- Okoro, Chioma Sylvia, Musonda, Innocent, Agumba, Justus Ngala

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