UWCScholar

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 11

Recent Submissions

Fractional Black-Scholes equations and their robust numerical simulations
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Nuugulu, Samuel Megameno
Conventional partial differential equations under the classical Black-Scholes approach have been extensively explored over the past few decades in solving option pricing problems. However, the underlying Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) of classical economic theory neglects the effects of memory in asset return series, though memory has long been observed in a number financial data. With advancements in computational methodologies, it has now become possible to model different real life physical phenomenons using complex approaches such as, fractional differential equations (FDEs). Fractional models are generalised models which based on literature have been found appropriate for explaining memory effects observed in a number of financial markets including the stock market. The use of fractional model has thus recently taken over the context of academic literatures and debates on financial modelling. Fractional models are usually of a non-linear and complex nature, which pose a considerable amount of computational and theoretical difficulties in deriving their analytical solutions. To the best of our knowledge, currently, there exist no tractable exact/analytical solution methods for solving fractional Black-Scholes equations, and as such, numerical solution methods become of a vital importance in understanding nature of solutions to such models. This thesis therefore, serves to derive some Generalised (fractional) Black-Scholes Partial Differential Equations (fBS-PDEs), as well as, propose their respective tractable, efficient and robust numerical simulation methods.
Millennials’ experiences and satisfaction with chatbots: a study of self-service technology in emerging markets
(European Business Review, 2025) Lubbe Isolde; Roberts-Lombard, Mornay; Langerman, Josef
Purpose – The study aims to explore the influence of selected precursors to self-service technology customer experience (when using chatbots) and the role of trustworthiness, control and self-service technology customer experience on self-service technology satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach – The study applied an explanatory research design and data collection was secured through self-administered questionnaires from millennials who engaged with a chatbot over six months. A total of 359 responses were used for data analysis. The measurement and structural models were assessed using structural equation modelling. Findings – Perceived usefulness, perceived playfulness and perceived ease of use significantly and positively influence chatbot self-service technology experience. Moreover, trustworthiness, chatbot self-service technology experience and control significantly and positively influence self-service technology satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – The tested model validates the hypothesised relationships between perceived usefulness, perceived playfulness, perceived ease of use, self-service technology experience, trustworthiness, control and chatbot self-service technology satisfaction. As such, chatbot users’ self-service technology experiences are directly linked to their three precursors and postcedent, self-service technology satisfaction. Conclusively, self-service technology satisfaction is directly guided by users’ trustworthiness and control when engaging with chatbots.
Digital readiness and the adoption of self-service banking technologies in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Matlala, Ntswaki Petunia
Digital technologies are rapidly transforming banking; in turn, this has changing customers’ choices and preferences for interacting with banks. Digital banking channels have somewhat become a double-edged sword for the banking industry in that, on the one hand, they enhance customer convenience and 24/7 accessibility. On the other hand, these innovative technologies create a marketing challenge whereby bank managers need to learn and understand new consumer behaviours and trends for them to keep up with customer needs and to remain competitive. As such, it becomes necessary for marketers to understand consumer decision making processes related to self-service banking technologies. Of particular importance, consumers’ choice behaviour related to adoption and usage patterns of banking channels become critical. Although past studies have looked at consumers’ adoption of self-service technologies, rapid advances in technology dictates the need for research to revisit determinants of consumer adoption of these banking technologies.
The glass ceiling effect in South African companies: An illusion or reality
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Mbuli, Thulisile
Despite the existence of advanced employment equity legislation that addresses inequalities and discrimination in South Africa, the glass ceiling still inhibits the advancement of women to top positions in both the private and public sectors. The glass ceiling entails inherent and assimilated factors that contribute to barriers that limit women’s advancement in executive positions. In South Africa, women are the majority, yet they are under-represented in leadership positions in corporates. A qualitative research approach was followed to explore the challenges experienced by women in their efforts to become leaders in the South African corporate sector. The study captured the real experiences of 17 women in corporate South Africa through unstructured interviews.
Customer loyalty programmes in South Africa: past, present and future trajectories
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Morrison, Nicole Bronwin
The thesis examines customer attitudes towards Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) retail outlets. Customer attitudes are examined based on customer engagement, loyalty programmes, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty towards customer repurchasing decisions. FMCGs include most household items such as food, toiletries, and cleaning items at supermarkets in South Africa. More specifically, this study investigates the past, present and future trajectories of loyalty programmes in South Africa. This thesis followed a descriptive research design and a quantitative research approach. A non-probability sampling method was implemented using quota sampling. The study included a sample of 272 FMCG members that participated in the study. An adapted questionnaire used in previous research was used as the data collection instrument in the study.