Employees' perception of engagement and its influence on critical success factors
- Authors: Gardner, Kevin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Soft drink industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Strategic planning -- Employee participation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020826
- Description: Increasing competition within the non-alcoholic, ready to drink market (NARTD) in South Africa has intensified the need for soft drink producers to identify ways in which to enhance their competitiveness. One of the most important challenges for organisations operating in this industry is to produce quality products while meeting the needs of customers, at the lowest possible cost. While a number of competitors may rely on various competitive strategies such as lower priced products, it could become increasingly challenging for others to adopt similar approaches without comprising on the quality of their products. In order to remain competitive, organisations may be required to shift their focus onto their employees as a source of competitive advantage. Research has shown that employees provide organisations with sustainable competitive advantage, more specifically, it has shown that engaged employees outperform disengaged employees. The differentiating factor for organisations in the pursuit of competitive advantage would therefore be an engaged workforce. The primary research objective of this study was to investigate employees’ perceptions of engagement within the logistics function at Coca-Cola Fortune Port Elizabeth, as well as its impact on critical success factors. A theoretical overview was conducted to appraise various definitions, engagement models, factors influencing engagement and the impact of engagement on critical success factors. The research highlighted a number of common themes of engagement which includes a reciprocal relationship between the organisation and employees, enthusiasm, involvement and motivation. This research revealed that engaged employees make positive contributions to key business outcomes such as financial performance, productivity and customer satisfaction.An empirical study was conducted by means of a survey with a questionnaire as data collecting tool. The purpose of the structured questionnaire was to validate the findings obtained from the theoretical overview and to assess employees’ perceptions of engagement, engagement factors and the impact of engagement on critical success factors. A sample comprising 112 employees was identified by means of a stratified sampling technique. A 93 per cent response rate was obtained. The key findings of the study indicated that management and employee perceptions of engagement were comparable. It also indicated that corporate communication, employee involvement strategies, relationships with management and HR policies and procedures did influence employee engagement. Furthermore, the study validated the existence of a strong positive relationship between customer satisfaction, employee attendance and productivity – as was found between employee engagement and business success at CCF. The theoretical overview in conjunction with the empirical findings yielded a hypothesised model of employee engagement as presented in Chapter One. This model could provide direction in the organisation’s attempt to improve engagement levels and ultimately in the pursuit of competitive advantage.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Enhancing sustainability of small black businesses in the Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Didi, Mzikhaya Welcome
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Small business -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8887 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020810
- Description: Governments all over the world cannot downplay the economic role of small businesses. It is accepted world-wide that this sector of the economy alleviates unemployment, creates wealth, encourages innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit. Various factors, both internal and external, make it difficult for small businesses to reach their true potential or realise their objectives. Internal factors would refer to areas such as lack of financial acumen, operational management expertise and marketing skills. External factors such as the business environment, competition, legislation, commercial institutions, amongst others, also contribute to the downfall of small businesses. The support that small businesses require is vital at the start-up phase of the business as it lays a solid base from which to proceed. The research emanates from a high failure of Small Black Businesses in the country, with the focus being on the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM). This section of the business community has a vital role to play in the well-being of this region. According to the South African Cities Network, BCM has a high rate of unemployment. The success of Small Black businesses in the area could offer many opportunities for productive people who would otherwise be condemned to unemployment. The literature review revealed a plethora of factors that hinder the success and development of small businesses. It has therefore become important to research these factors and come up with recommendations that are going to assist small businesses and society at large. There is an outcry against insufficient government support in assisting small businesses. Due to the research being qualitative in nature, date collection was by means of a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed in such a manner as to provide responses that would assist in addressing the challenges faced by small businesses. Data analysis entailed its transcription in order to allow the researcher to make notes. The next step was to do a preliminary data analysis in order to highlight emerging issues, identify relevant data and to give direction for seeking more data. A summary all the issues was subsequently prepared for interpretation. The study revealed that the problems experienced by small businesses are both internally and externally influenced. Small businesses have it within themselves to manage and control the internally influenced problems, contrary to the externally influenced factors. The study recommends additional governmental support in terms of providing skills development, financial support, removal of red tape, eradication of corruption and so on. Commercial financial institutions also have a vital role to play by removing some of the requirements that make it difficult for small businesses to access funding.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Enhancing the organisational culture at Spar Eastern Cape: a case study
- Authors: Dick, Siyolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chain stores -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8885 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020804
- Description: SPAR Eastern Cape is a special organisation. It is an extraordinary place to work and have fun at. The organisation celebrated its twentieth “birthday” in 2013. Operating in a very difficult sector, this business has done extremely well in establishing itself as one of the leading businesses in the Eastern Cape. The success of this incredible business is driven by employees from all levels. With an extreme conviction in the apothegm that “none of us is as smart as all of us”, the organisation is built around high performance teams through a unique culture called: Amafela Ndawonye (referred to as Amafela hereafter). “Amafela” has been in operation at SPAR Eastern Cape since the organisation’s inauguration in 1993. Organisational cultures are dynamic. Organisational cultures shift, incrementally and constantly, in response to external and internal changes. Trying to assess an organisational culture is therefore complicated by the reality that one is trying to hit a moving target. However, a possibility exists that culture enhancement can be managed as a continuous process rather than big shifts (often in response to a crisis). A stable destination with regards to organisational culture should never be reached. The culture of an organisation should always be learning and developing. This prompted the researcher to ask the question, as an organisation responds to internal and external changes; can it lose its relevancy in the process? The primary objective of this research is to determine whether the commitment to the culture of “Amafela” and relevancy thereof at SPAR Eastern Cape is declining. The first step in achieving this objective was an in-depth theoretical study. The second step, and in order to achieve this objective, was an empirical survey conducted to canvas the opinions of (N= 149) respondents at SPAR Eastern Cape. The main findings of this research conducted at SPAR Eastern Cape can be summarised as follows: The organisational culture was assessed according to how respondents interpret the organisation’s existing organisational culture, and thus underlining areas in need of enhancement. In general the outcome of the survey exhibited that a large number of employees at SPAR Eastern Cape denoted that the culture of “Amafela” is still strong and is still relevant in the organisation. In this research, good to excellent levels of consistency for all eleven factors of “Amafela” were achieved. The items are therefore parallel in the test. Organisational leaders will influence the function of the people within the organisation. Moreover, leadership will set the present and future course of the company. This research articulates a correlation between leadership and “Amafela” factors. The eleven dimensions of the “Amafela” factors ranked according from favourable to less favourable. Customer focus emerged as the factor which most respondents agreed and strongly agreed with. It can be concluded then, that the culture of “Amafela Ndawonye” at SPAR Eastern Cape has the full support of the employees and is still relevant in the organization.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Evaluation of debt management policy implementation towards revenue management in government leased properties
- Authors: Mzekwa-Khiva, Nomonde Lindelani
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Monetary policy , Debts, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial crises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Debts, Public
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8880 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020633
- Description: The study sought to evaluate debt management policy implementation towards revenue management in government leased properties of the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury at the Transkei Development and Reserve Fund. Secondly, the study aimed at developing a tool for assisting policy-makers and officials involved in debt management and revenue collection. In order to address the research problem, a case study involving randomly selected 27 employees from the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury and housing ward committee members was adopted. Self-administered questionnaires and interviews were the two data collection techniques utilised. All participants were involved in the study during tea and lunch breaks at the workplace; this constituted the employees’ natural environment. Both quantitative and qualitative designs were utilised in analysing data. Descriptive statistical analysis using excel was utilised to summarise the responses, analyse the demographic profiles of participants and their responses. The results were thus presented in the form of bar charts. Responses which could not be analysed using statistics were analysed qualitatively thus the advantages inherent in the two approaches were exploited. The evidence from the study suggests that government operational employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities as they relate to debt management and debt collection policy. The development of debt management policy promotes rental collection, improve property profitability and ensure the maintenance is in place to improve attractiveness of the government properties.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Factors affecting customer retention at an automative manufacturing organisation
- Authors: Yam, Bonga Sherperd Elvis
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction , Customer relations , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8809 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018573
- Description: South African vehicle manufacturers are under immense competition from vehicle manufactures from India and China. The global financial crises also put these organisations under intense pressure and this resulted in these organisations having to start seeing the need to focus on issues that affect customer retention. The way that business is done in the 21st Century is forcing organisations to implement strategies that are geared towards increasing customer retention and growing the business. Organisations need to build relationships with their customers with the hope that these customers will in turn extend their stay with the organisation when an opportunity to replace their vehicles arises or keep on servicing with them. In order to establish a good relationship with customers, organisations need to understand customer expectations by being customer orientated and by providing customers with value. The primary objective of this study is to improve customer retention for a selected vehicle manufacturer after the warranty and service plans have expired, by investigating the relationship between customer service quality, customer loyalty, and customer retention. The results obtained from the 64 respondents who participated in the survey revealed that although all the above-mentioned variables play a role in increasing customer retention, customer service quality exerts the most influence. The study also highlights areas that should be improved, as well as recommendations on how to improve them. Recommendations for future research are also provided.
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- Date Issued: 2013
High-performance organisational assessment : a South African case study
- Authors: Hattingh, Christiaan Arnoldus
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa -- Measurement , Comparative organization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020249
- Description: A fundamental shift occurred in the global economy during the last three decades and even more so in the period since the 2008 financial crises. As a result of the advancing technology, national economies no longer self-contained entities protected from international competition by geographical distances, times zones, languages barriers, government regulations and culture or business systems. The effect of globalisation has further manifested in the global economic slow-down since 2008, where spending is constrained and consumers have become more discerning in their value considerations. The dual challenge of globalisation of competition and global economic slow-down is increasingly forcing businesses to do some introspection not only in terms of their cost structures, but also in terms of their value propositions in search of sustainable organisational success. Given the limited influence that businesses have over its external environment, an internal perspective is proposed where this problem is approached by means of a high-performance evaluation case study. The aim is to identify constraints that have resulted from more recent responses to market challenges and to establish which interventions to elevate in order to alleviate such constraints. It is proposed that if management and organisational practices that organisations employ in their daily functions affect the discretionary effort that employees contribute, then organisations should be able to gain insight into variations in organisational performance through evaluating and understanding these practices. This treatise focusses on organisational characteristics that drive high performance and propose interventions to enhance the environment for the development of a high performance culture within a single organisation. The research topic fell within the quantitative paradigm with data being collected through the use of a questionnaire. The results were analysed and interpreted to ascertain how current practice aligns with the theory. Recommendations are submitted within the context of the prevailing literature on the subject of high performance organisations and the related high performance characteristics of the organisation as based on the empirical data.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Identification of the determinants of customer satisfaction with services provided by a selected pension fund agency
- Authors: Mayekiso, Pumza
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Customer relations -- Management , Trust companies -- Customer services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8913 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021059
- Description: Understanding customers’ views on service quality is important for any business providing service and interested in making sure that they are being responsive to customers. Continuous evaluation of customer satisfaction is an important factor in the service sector. To date, most attempts have focused on what determines customer satisfaction in services rendered by organisations. The primary objective of the current study was to identify the determinants of customer satisfaction with services at Government Employees Pension Fund. The study investigated how customer satisfaction (the dependent variable) is influenced by the different elements, namely service quality, perceived value, and customer expectations, which represented the independent variables. The significance of the study hinges on three area i.e. management, policy makers and stakeholders. The study will also provide a justifiably valid and reliable guide to designing workable service delivery improvement strategies for creating and delivering customer value, achieving customer satisfaction and achieving sustainable business growth of Government Employees Pension Fund. The data collection was made using the questionnaire. A total of 150 questionnaires was distributed and 108 were completed and returned. This translated to a response rate of 72 percent. The empirical results showed that service quality and perceived value have a positive impact on customer satisfaction. On the other hand, the results revealed that customer expectations do not have a positive influence on customer satisfaction.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Identifying drivers of corporate social responsibility for community involvement
- Authors: Gwama, Mzwandile Sebastian
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business , Corporate governance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6597 , vital:21124
- Description: Organisations operate under unpredictable business environments. These business environments can be classified into internal and external environments. The decision taken by organisations to allocate resources for CSR depends on business environments. Organisations have no control of external business environments. Global financial crisis is an example of an external business environment of which organisations have no control over. The event in the business environments can influence the organisation to review its CSR operations. The beneficiaries of the organisation's CSR program get affected by such decision reviews and face even bigger challenges.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Impact and implication of future mobility on the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Mnyaka, Mtutuzeli Bennett Basil
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Motor Industry Development Programme , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa , Subsidies -- South Africa , Incentives in industry -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020891
- Description: The South African Automotive industry has been one that has enjoyed the subsidies schemes like the Motor Industry Development Program (MIDP), and in the near future the Automotive Production Development Program (APDP). There are however different schools of thought when it comes to subsidies for an industry. One is that there should be no incentives when others are for the schemes, which one is best for the growing economy of a young democratic and highly unemployed nation? Looking at the next planned incentive scheme to be introduced to replace the MIDP, the APDP is it better than the MIDP? How are these schemes going to benefit the country in the future and will they exist for as long as we have the Auto industry in South Africa? The objective is to prompt those in political power and positions capable of influencing infrastructure changes to think long term when making decisions today that will affect future generations. Future generations should be able to benefit from future technologies of the day and not be hindered by the lack of improved and capable infrastructure.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Impact of an increase of the local content quota on radio broadcasters
- Authors: Maqina, Bandile Chumani
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Radio broadcasting -- South Africa , Broadcasting -- South Africa , Radio and music
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9414 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020594
- Description: With the ever growing disenfranchisement of musicians and artist in the in ability of government entities to enforce stricter and favourable music quota which aim to increase the consumption of local music by increasing the current music quota as it stands from 25 percent to at least 60 percent for commercial radio, with more and more musicians calling for an increase in the current quota. In an open letter to the then Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Pallo Jordan from the South African Music Quota Committee (SAMQC) (Oct 2007) they voiced their concerns: “The SA content quota of 25 percent for commercial radio is not only too low, it is also often meaningless, because The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) allows stations to include gig guides, interviews and promotions as part of their local quota. You state, and we agree, that “cultural industries are serious business”. The structures protecting the national interest in iron, minerals, fishing, sport and many other areas are strongly enforced and defended here in South Africa. Why not our music?” More initiatives such as the “Play Local of Die” campaign whose aim is to urge commercial broadcasters to increase their local content with regards to commercial radios stations playlist was launched by South African Hip Hop artist commonly known as JR (Real Name: JR Bogopa) to further exhibit the South African musicians plight in how pivotal it is to their careers and overall financial well-being that the current quota be raised significantly. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of local content quota on domestic radio broadcasters in South Africa. The population for this study included 100 radio station which broadcast in the republic of South Africa. The response rate for the e-mail questionnaire was 100 percent of the 100 respondents. A Likert-type scale instrument consisted of 39 questions divided into two sections: Section one looked at the demographic profile of the respondents and section two focused on getting responses on the factors impacting local content quotaand domestic broadcasters, namely local content quota, implications for domestic broadcasters, revenue streams, impact on local musicians, governments role in local content quota, success factors, globalisation and piracy. In order to realise the purpose of this study, the following research design was used: Step 1 A literature review was conducted to determine the various factors impacting local artists, local broadcasters and local content quota. Step 2 A questionnaire was composed according to the principles and guidelines in steps 1. Step 3 Empirical data was obtained with the aid of an e-mail survey. Step 4 The results of the data were analysed and interpreted. Step 5 The empirical results were integrated with Step 3. Step 6 Conclusions and recommendations were completed. The main findings from the study were: The study revealed that the radio industry is not unanimous in the call from artists for government to increase the local content quota and thus prefer that the current status quo continue. That local content quota are not the only way to curb the South African music industry‟s woes, artists should seek to maximise their revenue by exploiting the infinite avenues for revenue that globalisation avails.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Improving psychological empowerment and employee engagement through the display of leadership empowering behaviours
- Authors: Webb, Jeanene Dunbar
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Organizational behavior Leadership , Industrial sociology Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45838 , vital:39221
- Description: Organisations are constantly searching for ways to improve performance and deliver profitable returns in a sustainable manner. In the financial services industry, a large portion of an organisations ability to meet its performance targets rests on the shoulders of the employees positioned at the client interface or front line. In order for these employees to perform and deliver on the organisations goals, theory (and experience) indicates the need for good leadership. Leaders who have the ability to empower and engage their employees are sought after for this role. A review of literature on the topics of psychological empowerment and employee engagement corroborate the benefits of an empowered and engaged workforce on the organisation’s performance and its ability to sustain its performance. To improve psychological empowerment and employee engagement in an organisation, leaders therefore have a role to play as the influencers of employee perceptions on both empowerment and engagement levels in the workplace. In just what way leaders can influence psychological empowerment and employee engagement in the workplace, shifts the potential to create an empowered and engaged workforce into the hands of the leaders in the organisation. Leaders therefore have the potential to display certain leadership empowering behaviours, which would in turn, influence psychological empowerment or employee engagement. This treatise intends to solve the research problem to improve psychological empowerment and employee engagement through the display of leadership empowering behaviours within the organisation. The following steps outline the manner in which this study was conducted: A literature review was embarked upon to introduce, describe and interpret the concepts of psychological empowerment, employee engagement and the influencing leadership empowering behaviours. Statistical analysis of the identified constructs to identify specific leadership empowering behaviours. Further research analysis was conducted, to investigate the impact of leadership empowering behaviours on psychological empowerment and on employee engagement. The literature was then revisited to design and test a new conceptual model of leadership empowering behaviours which influenced psychological empowerment and employee engagement. The way in which leaders execute the organisation’s communication strategy as well as the empowerment climate that leaders can create through their valuesbased interactions with employees showed a significant influence on psychological empowerment in the organisation studied. Employee engagement was significantly influenced by leaders who were supporting self-leadership amongst their employees as well as those who showed concern and interacted with their teams in a respectful, people-centred manner. These key insights into which leadership empowering behaviours influence employee’s perceptions of psychological empowerment and employee engagement offer leaders in the business with opportunities to reflect on their own behaviours. Leaders have the choice then to reinforce or adapt their behaviour, in order to empower and to engage their frontline employees more. These learning’s thus empower leaders with knowledge to empower and engaged their workforce. The display of leadership empowering behaviours was found to positively influence both psychological empowerment and employee engagement. By increasing empowerment and engagement, leaders can influence their organisation’s performance in a positive manner, which in turn has further potential to deliver a competitive advantage to the organisation, should these behaviours be embedded in the organisations culture.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Improving service quality at automotive dealerships
- Authors: Lekhelebana, Vuyokazi Anneline
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Customer services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017204
- Description: The highly competitive landscape of the automotive industry places increasing pressure on automotive dealerships to continually improve the quality of services rendered to customers. Understanding customer expectations and customer perceptions is key to making improvements in areas that matter most to the customer. It is against this background that this study was conducted. The aim of this research was to measure service quality at automotive dealerships. The literature review focused on the gaps model which resulted in the SERVQUAL measuring tool. The SERVQUAL instrument is supported by literature as the optimal instrument for measuring service quality. The 22-item questionnaire was adapted and used to solicit feedback from customers on their expectations and perceptions of the service rendered by dealerships across the five SERVQUAL dimensions; namely, tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, empathy and assurance. Gaps between customer expectations and perceptions were calculated as an indication of areas where customer expectations were met, unmet or exceeded. In order to identify priorities for improvement, each of the SERVQUAL dimensions was ranked in order of importance by the customer. Convenience sampling was used as a sampling technique. A total of 142 Volkswagen owners who had their vehicles serviced or repaired at a franchised dealership were surveyed. The reliability of the SERVQUAL questionnaire was tested by calculating the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for each of the five dimensions. The calculation yielded an average coefficient of 0.83, indicating a high reliability of the measuring instrument and the data collected. The overall gap score of -0.7 indicates that customer expectations exceeded customer perceptions. The lowest customer perceptions and the largest gaps were reported in the reliability and responsiveness dimensions. These two dimensions were also rated as the most important dimensions customers use for evaluating service quality. This formed the basis for recommending that dealership employees and management focus most of their efforts on improving the reliability and responsiveness dimensions.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Improving technological entrepreneurship of first-year students at universities
- Authors: Khohliso, Sylvester Mziwonke
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Entrepreneurship , Technical education , Business enterprises -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6476 , vital:21095
- Description: A challenge facing higher education institutions is the level of technological entrepreneurship of first-year students in the field of technological programmes. This challenge has put pressure on management of higher education institutions to introduce an entrepreneurial mindset and encourage innovation. According to Development Policy Research Unit (2007:18), 23 percent of students choose qualifications mainly for the employment opportunities. According to Shein, Crous, and Schepers (2010:1), not only in growing economies such as South Africa‟s, entrepreneurship contributes to a national growth and contributes to job creation. Shein, et al. (2010:1), further claim that recent studies have shown a shift towards studying entrepreneurship in an attempt to uncover its fundamentals and its importance in adding to the well-being of the country.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Improving waste management within selected South African municipalities
- Authors: Saaiman, Lizelle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Waste minimization -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Refuse disposal industry -- South Africa , Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa , Source reduction (Waste management) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8790 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014736
- Description: The essentiality for waste reduction in society is prompted by the depletion of natural resources. Internationally, five waste management strategies have been identified, namely reduction of waste (waste prevention), re-use of waste, recycling of waste, recovery of energy and disposal to landfill. In Polokwane Declaration of September 2001, South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism committed itself to achieve a 50 percent reduction in the volume of waste generated by 2012 and to be landfilled and have a zero waste plan implemented by 2022. Through the National Waste Management Act, No. 59 of 2008, the South African government also committed itself to provide protection of health, well-being and the environment through measures to avoid and minimise the generation of waste. Even though several policies and legislative documents are available that address waste minimisation and recycling, individual community members are however still reluctant to participate in these activities. This study therefore investigated the current levels of understanding, education and commitment to recycling and waste minimisation in a selected South African community. The target respondents of the study were members of a local church who are representative of the various peoples that reside in the communities serviced by the selected municipality. A convenience sample of 70 participants from that church was selected to complete the questionnaires. Seventy (70) questionnaires were distributed, and all 70 questionnaires were returned. Interviews were also conducted with two managers from the Waste Management Department of the selected municipality. The data analyses conducted, included descriptive statistics and content analysis of the interview transcripts. The empirical results revealed among others that: (1) recycling removal service is limited to pre-selected recyclables; (2) the municipality contributes to local entrepreneurial opportunities; (3) public participation is a pre-requisite in the success of the programmes; (4) participation is determined by convenience; (5) enforcement of legislation assists with compliance; (6) environmental sustainability is supported by environmental concerned consumers; (7) mismatch of opinions around separation at source of generation and (8) continuous education is instrumental in waste management. The main recommendations of the study include: (1) municipalities need to provide exciting and innovative recycling and waste minimisation programmes, continuously; (2) positive attitude and behaviour of all the stakeholders determines the success of waste minimisation and recycling; and (3) society, industry and government need to join forces in ensuring success in waste management. By implementing these recommendations, stakeholders in this field of interest will go a long way in improving waste management in South Africa communities.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Investigating factors affecting customer retention at Nedbank South Africa
- Authors: Madzivhandila, Rofhiwa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa , Customer services -- Quality control , Bank marketing -- South Africa , Customer relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020100
- Description: The banking sector plays an important role in the economy of any country across the world. The recent financial crisis shows how much of the world’s economy is influenced by the banking sector. There are different roles that banks play in contributing to the operation and growth of an economy. Their role spreads from that of intermediary to that of provider of payment clearing services. Banks are an important and integral part of any economy. According to a study by Greenberg & Simbanegavi (2009), the South African banking sector is fertile ground for high levels of competition amongst its players. This competition is important for the proper working of the modern economy. According to Van Leuvensteijn et al. (2008), because banks act as the main vehicle for monetary policy, reduced competition in the banking sector can hinder the efficiency of monetary policy. As a result of the competition in the banking sector, customer retention is a key component of banks’ strategies in today’s market. The main aim of the study was to investigate factors affecting customer retention at Nedbank South Africa. The study focused on the institutional causes of bank customer defection and sought to investigate the effects of three factors (Customer service quality, Satisfaction with product, and Switching costs) on Customer Retention. This study showed the importance of customer retention and more importantly how the mentioned three factors affect customer retention at Nedbank South Africa. One of the highlights that came out of this research was that 50 perscent of the respondents were either considering closing their account or were likely to close their account within the next 12 months. In conclusion, these three factors were found to be important in the customer retention strategy of the bank. Recommendations were presented by the author on how to integrate the factors into a retention framework that can contribute to the profitability of the bank. Areas of future research that can be helpful to the bank were also highlighted by the author.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Investigating the effectiveness of environmental sustainability initiatives at General Motors South Africa
- Authors: Walsh, Lauren Arlene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: General Motors Corporation , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Environmental aspects , Industrial management -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020996
- Description: There is a consensus globally that climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing operations. Immediate actions are required to reduce the carbon footprint in order for the environment to endure future logistics processes and activities (The National Treasury department of South Africa, 2010). Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emissions generated from manufacturing processes, distribution networks and treatments processes (Verfaillie and Bidwell, 2000). Companies globally are expected to monitor pollution and focus on reducing the discharge of pollutants. Logistics Managers are therefore pressured to reduce the carbon footprint as it affects the environment and our health. Companies are becoming more concerned with the impact of various activities and processes on the environment. Traditional logistics models, primarily focuses on minimising cost with little focus on the environmental impact and sustaining operations for the future (Sbihi and Eglese, 2009) General Motors (GM) is a multi-national vehicle manufacturer with operations in various countries. GM filed for bankruptcy in 2009 resulting in the formation of the new GM; one of the focus areas was to ensure sustainability which resulted in the introduction of the ‘Sustainability in motion’ program in 2009 (New York Times, 2009). General Motors South Africa (GMSAf) is a vehicle assembler with manufacturing facilities and head offices located in Port Elizabeth. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the multinational General Motors Company. The aim of the research is to determine whether a culture that promotes environmentally conscious behaviour exists within employees and their relationships within a team, with management, stakeholders and suppliers. The study will assist in highlighting areas which need improvement to enable the creation of environmentally sustainable initiatives and implementation thereof. The empirical study revealed that the following management commitment, education and training, performance management and participation and involvement were important factors in the effective implementation of an environmental sustainability program.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Investigating the impact of supply chain technologies within automative supplier clusters
- Authors: Schultz, Lance Craig
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business logistics -- Technological innovations , Inventory control , Production management , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021093
- Description: Organisations are constantly expected to be more competitive while working in an environment in which time and cost are limited, thereby preventing such organisations from taking the time required to be responsive. The supply chain provides a critical linkage between various organisations which should seek collective opportunities to improve performance. It is, therefore, important that organisations understand that conventional knowledge and methods will not serve unless there is a concerted focus on improvement of organisational performance toward fulfilling increased expectations, not just maintaining that which is comfortable. A more sustainable approach may be the introduction of supply chain best practice. An optimal supply chain is one that continuously strives to reduce unnecessary cost and eliminate waste, thereby increasing the percentage of time that may be devoted to value-adding activities. Supply chain technology principles were assessed and the application thereof, sought to understand its efficiency and effectiveness. This study was intended to identify supply chain cost dimensions with a focus on the optimal use of supply chain technology. Within the current supply chain context, the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was explored to identify opportunities. A supply chain audit tool (SCAT) was developed which had proven to be an effective tool to analyse it’s logistics functions. Implementation of remedial tools through the SCAT could result in a leaner, cost optimal and more value-adding process. The result of conducting individual organisational improvements is expected to result in an overall improvement in the total supply chain. These supply chain cost drivers were rooted in cost, quality, safety and product performance. Recommendations on further improvements were also offered.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Investigating the prevailing knowledge about co-operatives in South Africa and the determinants of their success
- Authors: Frans, Nonyameko
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Cooperative societies -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020206
- Description: The development of co-operatives has been increasingly seen, both globally and in developing countries, as a key strategy for a high economic growth rate, job creation and poverty alleviation. In trying to address these challenges, the South African government has been promoting co-operatives as an instrument for economic growth and socio-economic integration. Despite the realisation of the important role that cooperatives could play, not enough research has been done on the successes and failures of these organisations in achieving economic growth and socio-economic development in countries. The present study is an attempt to address this research gap. The primary objective of this study was to increase the success of co-operatives in South Africa by investigating the prevailing nature of operations of co-operatives and the determinants of the success of these organisations. More specifically, the study gathered qualitative information about co-operatives, identified which factors influence co-operatives in general and investigated which of these factors are the most important determinants of the success of these organisations in South Africa. A census was conducted of the 110 co-operatives registered in the database of the Leadership Academy (LA) of the NMMU Business School. Only 50 executive members of 26 co-operatives participated in the study (response rate of 23.6 percent). The empirical results revealed that the two most critical success factors for co-op success were the handling of finances and leadership; that language groups viewed coop success differently; and that females provide stronger leadership than males in cooperatives. The results also showed that skills development is an important factor in achieving these critical success factors. These results presented important managerial implications for the success of co-operatives.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Investigating the role of human resources in the implementation of the government immovable asset management act and its policy framework
- Authors: Ngwenze, Lizo Archibald
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Government property -- South Africa -- Management , Assets (Accounting) -- Management , Capital -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8881 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020653
- Description: There is a strong belief amongst human resource specialists, professionals and academics that strategic human-resource management is critical to the success of the business and wellbeing of employees, and the organisation in which they work. There are two sides to human resources, as a strategic partner: Firstly, how it looks and portrays itself; and secondly, how the organisation views the importance of its human capital. Ulrich, Younger, Brockbank and Ulrich (2012) and the RBL Group (2012) identified six human-resource competencies for human resource (HR) practitioners. These not only identify the role they play in an organisation; but they also assist an organisation in achieving its objectives. These competencies, which apply to all HR practitioners, are: strategic positioner, change champion, credible activist, capability builder, technology proponent, innovator, and integrator. The implementation of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act No.19 of 2007 (GIAMA), and its policy implementation, are critical to infrastructural developments, economic development, and skills development, redressing any imbalances from the past and current history, and also developing a public service that assists the country in being internationally competitive. An HR practitioner with a worldview is critical in facilitating one of the most important transformative pieces of legislation. The research problem in this study is to investigate the role of human resources in the implementation of GIAMA and its policy framework in the Eastern Cape Province’s Port Elizabeth Regional Office by the National Department of Public Works. To achieve this objective, a quantitative study was undertaken on the role of human resources as a “strategic partner”. It involved an extensive literature review to assess the role of strategic human resources. An empirical study was later conducted to investigate the role of human resources in the Port Elizabeth Regional Office (from the National Department of Public Works); and how well this office succeeds in playing its assigned role. The conducted survey was compared with the literature review, to determine whether the Port Elizabeth Regional Office’s human resources are in line with the objectives of being a “strategic partner”. The overall findings revealed that the role of human resources is not that of a “strategic partner”. It also revealed that of the six competencies identified by Ulrich et al. (2012) and the RBL Group (2012), none of them could really be viewed as strategic. Notwithstanding the progressive pieces of legislation, it was appalling to receive the outcome, which indicated organisational failure for the past six years (see Figure 1.1). The conclusion of the study indicated that the Port Elizabeth Regional Office (from National Department of Public Works) must implement legislative recommendations as a starting point, and grow from there. The legislation and regulations are very supportive, and encourage innovative thinking – to achieve government goals – and to be on a par with the private sector.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Investigating variables that have impact on annual financial statement audit report outcomes in local government
- Authors: Sigcau, Ntsikelelo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Local finance -- South Africa -- Auditing , Finance, Public -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8906 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021004
- Description: The third sphere of government (Local Government) has been persistently clouded by unfavourable Annual Financial Statement (AFS) audit reports. This results in local government losing credibility and its stakeholders losing confidence in the institutions or municipalities. In-depth analysis of the root cause of this dilemma is an opportunity for the municipality to reorganise its house and redeem its dignity and credibility to its stakeholders through addressing the identified challenges. The importance of the study can be attributed to the need to investigate the root causes of unfavourable audit opinion and recommend possible remedies that can assist municipalities to improve their audit report outcomes which in turn will improve the confidence of its stakeholders. The primary objective of the study was to investigate variables that impact on the audit report outcomes on annual financial statements of the municipalities that are within Alfred Nzo District (AND) Jurisdiction, including Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM). This was achieved through investigating the root causes of the audit report outcomes with specific focus on the relationship that exists between the management role and audit outcomes of the Alfred Nzo District Municipalities. This was measured by the municipality’s leadership, governance, internal controls and human capital management. Convenient sampling was used wherein 150 questionnaires (30 per municipality) were sent out to the selected employees in all the municipalities in the Alfred Nzo District. Out of the questionnaires that were sent out, 103 responses were received. These were analysed to draw findings, conclusion and recommendations. The empirical results of the study revealed that there is strong evidence that leadership, governance and human capital management have a positive influence on the municipality’s AFS audit report outcomes. It also revealed that there is overwhelming evidence that internal controls have a positive influence on the municipality’s AFS audit report outcomes. The study recommends how leadership, governance, internal controls and human capital management must be improved. It also provides future research recommendations to improve this study.
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- Date Issued: 2013