Criteria for Data Analysis

The quantitative methodology was adopted for the demographic details and these were statistically analysed. Appropriate statistical techniques were applied in analysing data into information. Statistica Version 10 was used to analyse the data.

A chi-squared test shows whether the relationship is statistically significant (if p<0.05 it is significant at the 5% level and if 0.05<p<0.10 it is significant at the 10% level). The practical significance/importance of the relationship is given by the size measure. Cramer’s V. Qualitative analysis involves an inductive approach. Induction is the process of developing generalisations from specific observations (Pollitt and Hungler, 1993:330). Some of these factors have been used to assist in explaining some processes in the steps of the Cacadu District Municipal performance management system.

The data collected were analysed with the assistance of the Statistics Department of the University. Questions in research will always be an intrusion into the life of the respondent, be it in terms of time taken to complete a questionnaire, the level of threat or sensitivity of the questions or the possible invasion of privacy (Collis and Hussey, 2003:173; Cohen, Manion and Morrison, 2003: 245). However all techniques used in gathering data followed laid down guidelines in terms of University and other applicable regulations and allowed for interpretations and findings discussed in the following chapters.

The research paradigm adopted for this study allows the researcher to approach the scientific inquiry with a certain worldview which would indicate an adoption of a set of givens, beliefs and assumptions as a framework to guide the execution of the study (Creswell, 1998:74). The approach of the study is to analyse the existing performance management system with a view to designing a performance management system for district-wide service delivery in the district municipality. It is necessary also to state that the qualitative paradigm and the methodological

assumption is that the survey questionnaire provides a rich source of primary data for a research project in its own right. However it is used in this study to supplement the other methods utilised to gather data for the study.

4.6 CONCLUSION

In every research project it is important to determine exactly what methods are to be used to collect data and what factors will influence the collection. This study analysed available documents on the subject, both official and other reports on the subject of performance management systems in public [municipal] institutions. Survey instruments of mailed questionnaires and interviews were also utilised to collect primary data from purposively selected respondents in the study area. The various data gathering methods provide various angles from which to analyse performance management systems in municipal government and administration and to interpret them. For the study an established need existed to use this approach.

The qualitative paradigm and the methodological assumption adopted, together with the survey questionnaire, constitute a paradigm in its own right and can on its own be used to provide a rich source of primary data for a research study of this nature. The purpose for any research is not simply having data based on a methodology but to make deductions from the information collected. The researcher therefore used the questionnaire survey as a part approach in this study to supplement the other methods utilised to gather data for the study and thereby provide a broader basis for analysis and interpretation.

Statistical data gathered were analysed by professional statisticians from the Mathematics and Statistics Department of NMMU. The data gathering methods were

made to comply with regulations laid down by the University and other relevant authorities.

CHAPTER FIVE

IMPLEMENTATION OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN

THE CACADU DISTRICT MUNCIPALITY

5.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter of the thesis report is devoted to the analysis and interpretation of data gathered for the study. In the study the pieces of data gathered were narrative descriptions rather than numeric values. These were gathered through various instruments including questionnaires, structured and unstructured interviews and document studies. These are processed, classified and analysed into some orderly form. Interpretations will then allow making sense of the results and examination of the implications of the municipal performance management system within a broader context of the theory and practice of public administration (Pollitt and Hungler, 1993: 41).

It was found during the study that a performance management system has been established from about the 2004 financial year to cover employee performance within the Cacadu District Council in line with legislation and regulations. It was also found that district-wide programmes such as water service provision, one of the functions of the Cacadu District Council which is also performed by local municipalities; do not have specific performance management systems and methods of information gathering. It was evident from the study that the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) has been designed as a performance management implementation and monitoring tool to provide the mayor, councillors,

municipal manager, senior managers and the community with information (MFMA Treasury Circular No 13). The responses from the purposively selected respondents from the Cacadu District Council, the councils of the local municipalities within the district and community members on the establishment and utilisation of performance management systems are discussed below.