Exam (elaborations)
PUB3701 ASSIGNMENT 04 SEMESTER 2 2024 (643278)
- Course
- Institution
PUB3701 ASSIGNMENT 04 SEMESTER 2 2024
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
lwazimthembu10
Reviews received
Content preview
PUB3702 ASSIGNMENT 04 SEMESTER 2 2024Table of Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................ 1
2. Load Shedding and Rational Decision-Making Principles ........ 2
2.1. Overview of Rational Decision-Making
2.2. Applying Rational Decision-Making to Load Shedding
2.3. Is Load Shedding a Rational Decision?
3. Critical Reason for Load Shedding ................................... 3
3.1. The Root Causes of Load Shedding
3.2. Eskom’s Decision to Implement Load Shedding
3.3. Analysis of Eskom’s Justification
4. Agreement or Disagreement with Load Shedding ................. 4
4.1. Personal Stance on Load Shedding
4.2. Evaluating the Decision
5. Alternative Solution to Load Shedding ................................. 5
5.1. Proposed Alternative: Renewable Energy Integration
5.2. Justifying the Rationality of the Proposed Solution
6. Conclusion ............................................................................. 5
7. Bibliography………………………………………………… 6
, 1. Introduction
Load shedding, a process where electricity supply is temporarily interrupted, has become a
common feature of South Africa's energy crisis. The term refers to Eskom's practice of rotating
power cuts to prevent the national grid from collapsing due to a mismatch between supply and
demand. The key question that arises from this practice is whether it aligns with the principles of
rational decision-making. Rational decision-making is a systematic process used by public
managers to make informed, logical decisions that maximize benefits while minimizing harm
(Hanekom & Thornhill, 1993:58). This essay explores load shedding as a decision-making
process, evaluates Eskom's reasoning for implementing it, and presents an alternative solution
that could serve as a more rational decision.
2. Load Shedding and Rational Decision-Making Principles
2.1. Overview of Rational Decision-Making
Rational decision-making involves selecting the most suitable option from a set of alternatives
based on objective data and logical analysis (Anderson, 1979:7). This method ensures that
decisions are not driven by emotion or personal preference but are instead grounded in facts and
reason. Public managers, such as those at Eskom, are expected to follow these principles when
addressing complex problems that affect public welfare, such as the nation's electricity supply.
2.2. Applying Rational Decision-Making to Load Shedding
Eskom's decision to implement load shedding was driven by a critical need to prevent a national
grid collapse, which would have far more severe consequences than temporary power cuts
(Steyn, 2019:22). From a rational decision-making perspective, the company sought to protect
the grid from overloading by rationing power across different regions. This strategy can be
considered rational in the short term, as it prevents an immediate crisis. However, long-term
rational decision-making requires that the root causes of the problem, such as underinvestment in
infrastructure and poor maintenance, be addressed (Baker, 2020:76).
2.3. Is Load Shedding a Rational Decision?
While load shedding serves as a temporary solution to a critical problem, it raises questions
about whether it is truly a rational decision in the long run. Rational decision-making demands
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller lwazimthembu10. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $2.92. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
85651 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now