The use of mobile commerce to improve the services of life insurance post sale activities
- Authors: Afrifa, Rexford
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Mobile commerce -- South Africa , Mobile computing -- South Africa , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa , Personal communication service systems -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8718 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/913 , Mobile commerce -- South Africa , Mobile computing -- South Africa , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa , Personal communication service systems -- South Africa
- Description: Mobile commerce, due to its inherent characteristics of mobility and reachability in enhancing personalized services provides an excellent means for life insurers to exploit such avenue in their service offerings. The objective of this study was to determine whether mobile commerce can be used to improve the services of life insurance post-sale activities. This objective was achieved with the relevant literature and empirical study. To accomplish the objective of this treatise, a triangulated research approach was selected and a multiple-case study consisting of four cases was conducted. The four cases selected comprised of leading insurers with large market share in the life insurance market in South-Africa. The primary data were collected through questionnaire and face-to-face interviews with selected respondents. The main finding shows that the respondents had a positive view about mobile commerce and its application in their companies. This was demonstrated by 80 percent of respondents who agreed that mobile commerce was more of an opportunity rather than a challenge or even a threat for the life insurance market. The results also indicate that customer relationship management, mobile messaging services and field service automation functions were used by all the insurers; although minor discrepancies were observed due to the efficiency of each firms IT infrastructure. The Internet was found to assist in the collection of more precise data, to increase service performing abilities. Some of the major obstacles that were found to hinder the deployment of mobile commerce in the industry were security concerns, low and infrequent internet usage and performance by supporting industries. Cumbersome and inefficient legacy systems were declared as the greatest technological weakness particularly by respondents from case 1 and 2. Conversely, hardware and network infrastructure, lack of software packages, lack of technical expertise and the fear of disintermediation was rated low in hindering the deployment of mobile commerce. However, according to the findings the key benefits derived from engaging in increased mobile commerce activities include enhancing customer contact and service, more transparency and speed of claims management, increasing client retention and policy extension rates hence increasing overall company profit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Afrifa, Rexford
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Mobile commerce -- South Africa , Mobile computing -- South Africa , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa , Personal communication service systems -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8718 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/913 , Mobile commerce -- South Africa , Mobile computing -- South Africa , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa , Personal communication service systems -- South Africa
- Description: Mobile commerce, due to its inherent characteristics of mobility and reachability in enhancing personalized services provides an excellent means for life insurers to exploit such avenue in their service offerings. The objective of this study was to determine whether mobile commerce can be used to improve the services of life insurance post-sale activities. This objective was achieved with the relevant literature and empirical study. To accomplish the objective of this treatise, a triangulated research approach was selected and a multiple-case study consisting of four cases was conducted. The four cases selected comprised of leading insurers with large market share in the life insurance market in South-Africa. The primary data were collected through questionnaire and face-to-face interviews with selected respondents. The main finding shows that the respondents had a positive view about mobile commerce and its application in their companies. This was demonstrated by 80 percent of respondents who agreed that mobile commerce was more of an opportunity rather than a challenge or even a threat for the life insurance market. The results also indicate that customer relationship management, mobile messaging services and field service automation functions were used by all the insurers; although minor discrepancies were observed due to the efficiency of each firms IT infrastructure. The Internet was found to assist in the collection of more precise data, to increase service performing abilities. Some of the major obstacles that were found to hinder the deployment of mobile commerce in the industry were security concerns, low and infrequent internet usage and performance by supporting industries. Cumbersome and inefficient legacy systems were declared as the greatest technological weakness particularly by respondents from case 1 and 2. Conversely, hardware and network infrastructure, lack of software packages, lack of technical expertise and the fear of disintermediation was rated low in hindering the deployment of mobile commerce. However, according to the findings the key benefits derived from engaging in increased mobile commerce activities include enhancing customer contact and service, more transparency and speed of claims management, increasing client retention and policy extension rates hence increasing overall company profit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Evaluating service quality at George Municipality : a complaints management systems approach
- Authors: Alcock, Sandra
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Consumer complaints -- South Africa -- George , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- George , Customer services -- Management , Local government -- South Africa -- George
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/917 , Consumer complaints -- South Africa -- George , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- George , Customer services -- Management , Local government -- South Africa -- George
- Description: The search for service and product quality has come to the forefront of business studies as the most important consumer trend of the past two decades. Studies conducted indicate that the 1990s saw a dramatic change in customer expectations concerning service quality and standards with a corresponding increase in the number of complaints from disgruntled customers. In response to this, many organisations have established customer care and complaints management services to respond to the need of customers. A substantial amount of literature exists on the subject of complaints management and its role in service quality, however, the focus has been on organisations in the private sector. The research undertaken in this paper aimed to investigate the role of complaints management systems (CMS) to evaluate service quality. The focus of this research was on local government with special attention on George Municipality. A literature review was done to establish the importance of service quality for local government as well as to investigate the link between an effective complaints management system and improvement in service quality. Furthermore, it was necessary to investigate the characteristics, design and implementation of an effective complaints management system. A questionnaire was developed in order to obtain primary data from a selected sample group. The data obtained from the questionnaire was statistically analysed and interpreted. The core findings from the analysed questionnaire indicated the following: service quality is relevant in local government; there is no clear method to measure service quality; no formal and structured complaints management system exist, and the implementation of an effective complaints management system will both improve service delivery and provide benefits to all involved. iv This study recommends that: service quality standards and measurement be of strategic importance to local government; customers should be consulted and involved when determining the service quality standards and measurement, and an organised and structured complaints management system that seeks to address all complaints in order to improve the level of service quality to customers be developed. Finally, the success of the CMS will depend on management’s commitment to change on a continuous basis as well as the degree to which management proactively resolves customer complaint through the involvement of the customer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Alcock, Sandra
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Consumer complaints -- South Africa -- George , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- George , Customer services -- Management , Local government -- South Africa -- George
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/917 , Consumer complaints -- South Africa -- George , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- George , Customer services -- Management , Local government -- South Africa -- George
- Description: The search for service and product quality has come to the forefront of business studies as the most important consumer trend of the past two decades. Studies conducted indicate that the 1990s saw a dramatic change in customer expectations concerning service quality and standards with a corresponding increase in the number of complaints from disgruntled customers. In response to this, many organisations have established customer care and complaints management services to respond to the need of customers. A substantial amount of literature exists on the subject of complaints management and its role in service quality, however, the focus has been on organisations in the private sector. The research undertaken in this paper aimed to investigate the role of complaints management systems (CMS) to evaluate service quality. The focus of this research was on local government with special attention on George Municipality. A literature review was done to establish the importance of service quality for local government as well as to investigate the link between an effective complaints management system and improvement in service quality. Furthermore, it was necessary to investigate the characteristics, design and implementation of an effective complaints management system. A questionnaire was developed in order to obtain primary data from a selected sample group. The data obtained from the questionnaire was statistically analysed and interpreted. The core findings from the analysed questionnaire indicated the following: service quality is relevant in local government; there is no clear method to measure service quality; no formal and structured complaints management system exist, and the implementation of an effective complaints management system will both improve service delivery and provide benefits to all involved. iv This study recommends that: service quality standards and measurement be of strategic importance to local government; customers should be consulted and involved when determining the service quality standards and measurement, and an organised and structured complaints management system that seeks to address all complaints in order to improve the level of service quality to customers be developed. Finally, the success of the CMS will depend on management’s commitment to change on a continuous basis as well as the degree to which management proactively resolves customer complaint through the involvement of the customer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of how dividend policies impact on the share value of selected companies
- Authors: Barman, Graham Paul
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Dividends , Corporations -- Valuation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/806 , Dividends , Corporations -- Valuation
- Description: Wealth maximisation for shareholders is a combination of dividend payouts and an increase in share price. Management, as custodians of shareholder interest, should therefore consciously work towards influencing the share price favourably. The purpose of this study is to examine and analyse, through an empirical study, dividend policy and the effect, if any, it has on the value of shares by conducting a survey among financial managers to measure their views regarding dividends and share value and to either validate or disprove the academic explanation of the practice of paying dividends.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Barman, Graham Paul
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Dividends , Corporations -- Valuation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/806 , Dividends , Corporations -- Valuation
- Description: Wealth maximisation for shareholders is a combination of dividend payouts and an increase in share price. Management, as custodians of shareholder interest, should therefore consciously work towards influencing the share price favourably. The purpose of this study is to examine and analyse, through an empirical study, dividend policy and the effect, if any, it has on the value of shares by conducting a survey among financial managers to measure their views regarding dividends and share value and to either validate or disprove the academic explanation of the practice of paying dividends.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A critical analysis of the definition of gross income
- Authors: Beck, Tracy Geraldine
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Interpretation and construction , Capital gains tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8977 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/805 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Interpretation and construction , Capital gains tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa
- Description: Income tax is levied upon a taxpayer’s taxable income. Various steps are taken in order to arrive at the taxpayer’s taxable income. The starting point when calculating taxable income is determining the taxpayer’s ‘gross income’. ‘Gross income’ is defined in terms of section 1 of the Act. Various terms within the gross income definition are not clearly defined, except in the case of a ‘resident’. Even in the case of the definition of a ‘resident’, the aspect of ‘ordinarily resident’ is not defined and nor is the ‘place of effective management’. The following components fall within the definition of ‘gross income’: • The total amount in cash or otherwise; • received by or accrued to, or in favour of, a person; • from anywhere, in the case of a person who is a resident; • from a South African source (or deemed source), in the case of a non-resident; • other than receipts or accruals of a capital nature. The ‘total amount’ in ‘cash or otherwise’ is the first step when determining the taxable income of a taxpayer for a particular year of assessment. Gross income only arises if an amount is received or has accrued; this amount need not be in the form of money but must have a money value. The next component, ‘received by or accrued to’, is related to time and implies that a taxpayer should include amounts that have been ‘received by’, as well as amounts that have ‘accrued to’ him during the year of assessment. ‘Resident’ and ‘non-resident’ unlike the other components, are defined in terms of section 1 of the Income Tax Act. There are two rules used to determine whether natural persons are residents, these are: • To determine whether natural persons are ‘ordinarily resident’; or • where the natural person is not an ‘ordinarily resident’, the ‘physical presence test’ will be applied. ‘Source’ means origin and not place; it is therefore the ‘originating cause of the receipt of the money’. There is no single definition for the word ‘source’ as circumstances may differ in various cases. The facts of each case must be analysed in order to determine the actual source of income for that particular case. The last component of the definition of ‘gross income’ is the exclusion of ‘receipts and accruals of a capital nature’. The Act does not define the meaning of ‘capital nature’ but does indicate that receipts or accruals of a capital nature are, with certain exceptions, not included in ‘gross income’. Receipts or accruals that are not of a capital nature is known as ‘revenue’ and subjected to tax. This study is primarily aimed at an examination of court cases related to the various components falling within the definition of ‘gross income’.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Beck, Tracy Geraldine
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Interpretation and construction , Capital gains tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8977 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/805 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Interpretation and construction , Capital gains tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa
- Description: Income tax is levied upon a taxpayer’s taxable income. Various steps are taken in order to arrive at the taxpayer’s taxable income. The starting point when calculating taxable income is determining the taxpayer’s ‘gross income’. ‘Gross income’ is defined in terms of section 1 of the Act. Various terms within the gross income definition are not clearly defined, except in the case of a ‘resident’. Even in the case of the definition of a ‘resident’, the aspect of ‘ordinarily resident’ is not defined and nor is the ‘place of effective management’. The following components fall within the definition of ‘gross income’: • The total amount in cash or otherwise; • received by or accrued to, or in favour of, a person; • from anywhere, in the case of a person who is a resident; • from a South African source (or deemed source), in the case of a non-resident; • other than receipts or accruals of a capital nature. The ‘total amount’ in ‘cash or otherwise’ is the first step when determining the taxable income of a taxpayer for a particular year of assessment. Gross income only arises if an amount is received or has accrued; this amount need not be in the form of money but must have a money value. The next component, ‘received by or accrued to’, is related to time and implies that a taxpayer should include amounts that have been ‘received by’, as well as amounts that have ‘accrued to’ him during the year of assessment. ‘Resident’ and ‘non-resident’ unlike the other components, are defined in terms of section 1 of the Income Tax Act. There are two rules used to determine whether natural persons are residents, these are: • To determine whether natural persons are ‘ordinarily resident’; or • where the natural person is not an ‘ordinarily resident’, the ‘physical presence test’ will be applied. ‘Source’ means origin and not place; it is therefore the ‘originating cause of the receipt of the money’. There is no single definition for the word ‘source’ as circumstances may differ in various cases. The facts of each case must be analysed in order to determine the actual source of income for that particular case. The last component of the definition of ‘gross income’ is the exclusion of ‘receipts and accruals of a capital nature’. The Act does not define the meaning of ‘capital nature’ but does indicate that receipts or accruals of a capital nature are, with certain exceptions, not included in ‘gross income’. Receipts or accruals that are not of a capital nature is known as ‘revenue’ and subjected to tax. This study is primarily aimed at an examination of court cases related to the various components falling within the definition of ‘gross income’.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A model for sustainable operational excellence through knowledge management practices and continuous improvement principles
- Beeken, Wilhelm Frederik Hartmann
- Authors: Beeken, Wilhelm Frederik Hartmann
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness , Knowledge management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1061 , Organizational effectiveness , Knowledge management
- Description: Integrating Knowledge Management maturity with associated Continuous Improvement efforts in order to remain competitive, is absent in most Operational Excellence initiatives. Furthermore, the intertwined relationship of Continuous Improvement and work development becomes a crucial focus area for organisations that wish to establish a continuously evolving management system consisting of core values, methodologies and tools with the aim of creating more satisfied customers with less resources. The old industrial paradigm that focused on labour, capital, materials, and energy viewed technology and knowledge as external influences on production. This framework is now being challenged and a new trend is emerging. This trend seeks to transform the old industrial system to that of a knowledge-based which one can lead to innovation and hence economic advantage. Continuous Improvement as a concept has roots in many other fields, including social-technical system design, human relations progress and the discussion surrounding ‘lean manufacturing’. This study will focus on Continuous Improvement as a noun, referring to on the outcome of the process of a stream of emergent innovations. The primary objective of the study is to create a model that will present an organisation with a three-layer knowledge reference process grid, which will align and depict the surrounding business knowledge functions, knowledge-enabling processes and knowledge-manipulating processes aiming for enabling Operational Excellence. This study promotes the theory that the cognitive domain layer, functional domain layer and resources layer of an organisation can be increasingly stimulated by focusing effort through Continuous Improvement routines towards the associated inter-organisational knowledge processes sustaining Operational Excellence. The proposed model is structured to review, compare, evaluate and integrate existing Knowledge Management practices of ii an organisation within the context of clear definitions for important concepts of Knowledge Management. Additionally the model provides an assessment instrument for evaluating the organisation’s Knowledge Management maturity level. The study concerns itself with two concepts towards business value creation which will lead to increased Operational Excellence. Firstly, the maturity of Knowledge Management processes, and secondly the level of the organisation wide process of focused and continuous incremental improvement namely, Continuous Improvement. A case study with PriceWaterhouseCoopers was concluded and an on-line Internet survey was used with a stratified sample from knowledge workers to test the factors from both a Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement perspective. These factors were verified by means of a hypotheses network, describing in a structured and descriptive way, the importance of Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement collectively on sustainable Operational Excellence as an integral development of Operational Excellence. With respect to Knowledge Management practices, the hypothesis network proposed at least three domains, which of knowledge generation, knowledge mobilisation and knowledge application as important input to the proposed process grid of knowledge development and associated layer elements. From a Continuous Improvement principles perspective it is apparent that elements from Continuous Improvement routines and Continuous Improvement characteristics are associated with the organisation Continuous Improvement ability. These findings are also a result of the deliberate design of processes, tools, structures and environments with the intent to increase, renew, share or improve the use of knowledge represented in any of the three elements for structural, human and social of intellectual capital. The proposed model combines the framework of the Boyd cycle as it is conceptualized as self-assessment activities, for it becomes possible to use them as basis of a self-assessment with sense making navigational properties across iii the proposed knowledge process grid for the model. The model will facilitate the concept of a three-layer knowledge reference process grid, which represents the main components of the knowledge processes within the cognitive domain layer, functional layer and resources layer of an organisation. The proposed model will deliver a single value that co-exists with the Knowledge Management maturity level and Continuous Improvement readiness index rating attained. Logical relationships to dynamic, evolving and flexible enabling Knowledge Management practices for each layer of the proposed three-layer knowledge reference process grid will be integrated as output of the proposed model. The research has limitations as Knowledge Management practices were measured using a subjective norm scale. It is suggested that a more comprehensive measure of Knowledge Management maturity processes may be needed to represent this construct. The complexity of the proposed model and the number of associated variables included in the results need further confirmation using possible multiple samples and additional measures of Knowledge Management maturity and Continuous Improvement readiness elements. The benefit of the proposed model as a practical Operational Excellence tool is to overcome the perceived gap of implementing Knowledge Management practices and Continuous Improvement principles collectively to deliver and sustain Operational Excellence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Beeken, Wilhelm Frederik Hartmann
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness , Knowledge management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1061 , Organizational effectiveness , Knowledge management
- Description: Integrating Knowledge Management maturity with associated Continuous Improvement efforts in order to remain competitive, is absent in most Operational Excellence initiatives. Furthermore, the intertwined relationship of Continuous Improvement and work development becomes a crucial focus area for organisations that wish to establish a continuously evolving management system consisting of core values, methodologies and tools with the aim of creating more satisfied customers with less resources. The old industrial paradigm that focused on labour, capital, materials, and energy viewed technology and knowledge as external influences on production. This framework is now being challenged and a new trend is emerging. This trend seeks to transform the old industrial system to that of a knowledge-based which one can lead to innovation and hence economic advantage. Continuous Improvement as a concept has roots in many other fields, including social-technical system design, human relations progress and the discussion surrounding ‘lean manufacturing’. This study will focus on Continuous Improvement as a noun, referring to on the outcome of the process of a stream of emergent innovations. The primary objective of the study is to create a model that will present an organisation with a three-layer knowledge reference process grid, which will align and depict the surrounding business knowledge functions, knowledge-enabling processes and knowledge-manipulating processes aiming for enabling Operational Excellence. This study promotes the theory that the cognitive domain layer, functional domain layer and resources layer of an organisation can be increasingly stimulated by focusing effort through Continuous Improvement routines towards the associated inter-organisational knowledge processes sustaining Operational Excellence. The proposed model is structured to review, compare, evaluate and integrate existing Knowledge Management practices of ii an organisation within the context of clear definitions for important concepts of Knowledge Management. Additionally the model provides an assessment instrument for evaluating the organisation’s Knowledge Management maturity level. The study concerns itself with two concepts towards business value creation which will lead to increased Operational Excellence. Firstly, the maturity of Knowledge Management processes, and secondly the level of the organisation wide process of focused and continuous incremental improvement namely, Continuous Improvement. A case study with PriceWaterhouseCoopers was concluded and an on-line Internet survey was used with a stratified sample from knowledge workers to test the factors from both a Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement perspective. These factors were verified by means of a hypotheses network, describing in a structured and descriptive way, the importance of Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement collectively on sustainable Operational Excellence as an integral development of Operational Excellence. With respect to Knowledge Management practices, the hypothesis network proposed at least three domains, which of knowledge generation, knowledge mobilisation and knowledge application as important input to the proposed process grid of knowledge development and associated layer elements. From a Continuous Improvement principles perspective it is apparent that elements from Continuous Improvement routines and Continuous Improvement characteristics are associated with the organisation Continuous Improvement ability. These findings are also a result of the deliberate design of processes, tools, structures and environments with the intent to increase, renew, share or improve the use of knowledge represented in any of the three elements for structural, human and social of intellectual capital. The proposed model combines the framework of the Boyd cycle as it is conceptualized as self-assessment activities, for it becomes possible to use them as basis of a self-assessment with sense making navigational properties across iii the proposed knowledge process grid for the model. The model will facilitate the concept of a three-layer knowledge reference process grid, which represents the main components of the knowledge processes within the cognitive domain layer, functional layer and resources layer of an organisation. The proposed model will deliver a single value that co-exists with the Knowledge Management maturity level and Continuous Improvement readiness index rating attained. Logical relationships to dynamic, evolving and flexible enabling Knowledge Management practices for each layer of the proposed three-layer knowledge reference process grid will be integrated as output of the proposed model. The research has limitations as Knowledge Management practices were measured using a subjective norm scale. It is suggested that a more comprehensive measure of Knowledge Management maturity processes may be needed to represent this construct. The complexity of the proposed model and the number of associated variables included in the results need further confirmation using possible multiple samples and additional measures of Knowledge Management maturity and Continuous Improvement readiness elements. The benefit of the proposed model as a practical Operational Excellence tool is to overcome the perceived gap of implementing Knowledge Management practices and Continuous Improvement principles collectively to deliver and sustain Operational Excellence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The Southern African Development Community's attraction to foreign direct investment
- Authors: Botha, Richard Kruger
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community , Africa, Southern -- Foreign economic relations , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration , Africa, Southern -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/926 , Southern African Development Community , Africa, Southern -- Foreign economic relations , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration , Africa, Southern -- Economic conditions
- Description: In order to assess the question as to whether the Southern African Development Community in principle attracts foreign direct investment, literature and data have been cited that compared the economic profiles and relative privatisation programs of member states of the Southern African Development Community with relative high inflows of foreign direct investment with the economic profiles and relative privatisation programs of member states with relative low inflows of foreign direct investment. Qualitative research has been conducted, and the author is of opinion that generally the member states with relative high foreign direct investment inflows had economic profiles and relative privatisation programs that encouraged foreign direct investment, and member states with relative low foreign direct investment inflows had economic profiles and relative privatisation programs that deterred foreign direct investment inflows. From the above the author has inferred that the Southern African Development Community in principle attracted foreign direct investment, but not to its full potential. The reason may be that although the member states’ economic profiles are favourable for foreign direct investment, their economic growths tend to fluctuate, and the future economic profiles are therefore unpredictable. With the above in mind this mini-treatise aims to address the question as to what steps the governments of the Southern African Development Community’s member states could follow in order to attract foreign direct investment. iii The author is of opinion that the member states should endeavour to maintain an annual average economic growth rate, and that the governments continue to engage into privatisation programs in order to encourage foreign direct investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Botha, Richard Kruger
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community , Africa, Southern -- Foreign economic relations , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration , Africa, Southern -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/926 , Southern African Development Community , Africa, Southern -- Foreign economic relations , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration , Africa, Southern -- Economic conditions
- Description: In order to assess the question as to whether the Southern African Development Community in principle attracts foreign direct investment, literature and data have been cited that compared the economic profiles and relative privatisation programs of member states of the Southern African Development Community with relative high inflows of foreign direct investment with the economic profiles and relative privatisation programs of member states with relative low inflows of foreign direct investment. Qualitative research has been conducted, and the author is of opinion that generally the member states with relative high foreign direct investment inflows had economic profiles and relative privatisation programs that encouraged foreign direct investment, and member states with relative low foreign direct investment inflows had economic profiles and relative privatisation programs that deterred foreign direct investment inflows. From the above the author has inferred that the Southern African Development Community in principle attracted foreign direct investment, but not to its full potential. The reason may be that although the member states’ economic profiles are favourable for foreign direct investment, their economic growths tend to fluctuate, and the future economic profiles are therefore unpredictable. With the above in mind this mini-treatise aims to address the question as to what steps the governments of the Southern African Development Community’s member states could follow in order to attract foreign direct investment. iii The author is of opinion that the member states should endeavour to maintain an annual average economic growth rate, and that the governments continue to engage into privatisation programs in order to encourage foreign direct investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Developing a long-term strategy for a selected small transport entrepreneur
- Authors: Burgins, David Christopher
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Planning , Transportation and state -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8714 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/929 , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Planning , Transportation and state -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Finance
- Description: South Africa, recognised as a developing economy, is encouraging its citizens to be entrepreneurs through various initiatives and assistance, with a bias towards the previously disadvantage people. This encouragement, from the government, has been taken advantage of by numerous citizens to the detriment of themselves, especially in the transport industry. Kazderich Pro Trans, a small transport entrepreneur, has founded itself based on the notion that businesses will utilize its services frequently based on the preferential treatment, to previously disadvantaged communities. The stakeholders in the transport industry, however is firstly geared towards maintaining their market share in a fiercely competitive industry with arguably an introspective view of the preferential treatment governmental policies. The purpose of this is to research the transport industry and accurately identify the environment the transport businesses operate in, with a view of analysing competencies that attract and retain business. This paper negates the government policy to a minor external environmental factor and argues that the company (Kazderich Pro Trans) should operate on the same principals as its competitors in the transport industry. The important issue being discussed in this research, the long term strategy, is to make small transport entrepreneurs realise that researching and planning their business are more important than starting it. The attraction and retention of clients is the basis of a successful transport business and the analyses of the questionnaire employed are used as guidance in developing the long term strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Burgins, David Christopher
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Planning , Transportation and state -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8714 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/929 , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Planning , Transportation and state -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Finance
- Description: South Africa, recognised as a developing economy, is encouraging its citizens to be entrepreneurs through various initiatives and assistance, with a bias towards the previously disadvantage people. This encouragement, from the government, has been taken advantage of by numerous citizens to the detriment of themselves, especially in the transport industry. Kazderich Pro Trans, a small transport entrepreneur, has founded itself based on the notion that businesses will utilize its services frequently based on the preferential treatment, to previously disadvantaged communities. The stakeholders in the transport industry, however is firstly geared towards maintaining their market share in a fiercely competitive industry with arguably an introspective view of the preferential treatment governmental policies. The purpose of this is to research the transport industry and accurately identify the environment the transport businesses operate in, with a view of analysing competencies that attract and retain business. This paper negates the government policy to a minor external environmental factor and argues that the company (Kazderich Pro Trans) should operate on the same principals as its competitors in the transport industry. The important issue being discussed in this research, the long term strategy, is to make small transport entrepreneurs realise that researching and planning their business are more important than starting it. The attraction and retention of clients is the basis of a successful transport business and the analyses of the questionnaire employed are used as guidance in developing the long term strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A lean view on an Eastern Cape logistics service provider
- Authors: Catterall, Kent James
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Production management -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/931 , Production management -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Description: Global competition is forcing all organisations, both manufacturing and service or ientated, to review their facil ities and processes from a productivity and quality standpoint. The concept of lean manufacturing has evolved from mass production methodologies developed by Henry Ford. Lean methodology, as developed by the Toyota Motor Company of Japan, yields consistent product quality at a lower cost , while delivering greater variety to the customer. The purpose of this research was to identify lean methodology application to the service industr y and to evaluate its application to UTi South Africa (PTY) LTD. The research presented an empirical study of how a lean tool can be a ppl ied at UTi South Africa (PTY) LTD service operations and possible lean models for UTi Port Elizabeth. The research study found that lean methodology can be applied to the freight forwarding industry and that opportunities exist for lean to improve productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Catterall, Kent James
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Production management -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/931 , Production management -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Description: Global competition is forcing all organisations, both manufacturing and service or ientated, to review their facil ities and processes from a productivity and quality standpoint. The concept of lean manufacturing has evolved from mass production methodologies developed by Henry Ford. Lean methodology, as developed by the Toyota Motor Company of Japan, yields consistent product quality at a lower cost , while delivering greater variety to the customer. The purpose of this research was to identify lean methodology application to the service industr y and to evaluate its application to UTi South Africa (PTY) LTD. The research presented an empirical study of how a lean tool can be a ppl ied at UTi South Africa (PTY) LTD service operations and possible lean models for UTi Port Elizabeth. The research study found that lean methodology can be applied to the freight forwarding industry and that opportunities exist for lean to improve productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An analysis of strategies used to manage conflict at Volkswagen of South Africa
- Authors: Conybeare, Gaily
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Conflict management -- South Africa , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/762 , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Conflict management -- South Africa , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This research study addresses the problem of determining the strategies that can be used by Internal Audit at Volkswagen of South Africa to manage conflict effectively. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on conflict and evaluate the various conflict models. The study also included the reasons for and sources of conflict and the effects of conflict on the performance and controls within VWSA. The identification of conflict management strategies and subsequent conflict management styles were revealed by the literature study. Various discussions from different authors on how to resolve conflict situations are also discussed. The literature review serves as a model in the development of a guideline for VWSA Internal Audit team and management to manage conflict. Senior Management, middle management and staff from various departments within VWSA were requested to complete a questionnaire in order to determine the strategies and effectiveness of these strategies used by Internal Audit to manage conflict. The questionnaire was developed in accordance with the findings from the research. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the relevance of the study to the problem questions and to evaluate whether the questionnaire will be easily understood. The answers of the respondents were analyzed and compared to the findings of the literature study. The information obtained from the literature study and from the respondents resulted in various recommendations and conclusions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Conybeare, Gaily
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Conflict management -- South Africa , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/762 , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Conflict management -- South Africa , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This research study addresses the problem of determining the strategies that can be used by Internal Audit at Volkswagen of South Africa to manage conflict effectively. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on conflict and evaluate the various conflict models. The study also included the reasons for and sources of conflict and the effects of conflict on the performance and controls within VWSA. The identification of conflict management strategies and subsequent conflict management styles were revealed by the literature study. Various discussions from different authors on how to resolve conflict situations are also discussed. The literature review serves as a model in the development of a guideline for VWSA Internal Audit team and management to manage conflict. Senior Management, middle management and staff from various departments within VWSA were requested to complete a questionnaire in order to determine the strategies and effectiveness of these strategies used by Internal Audit to manage conflict. The questionnaire was developed in accordance with the findings from the research. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the relevance of the study to the problem questions and to evaluate whether the questionnaire will be easily understood. The answers of the respondents were analyzed and compared to the findings of the literature study. The information obtained from the literature study and from the respondents resulted in various recommendations and conclusions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Investigating teamwork competencies in the value chain of a selected wool brokerage logistics department
- Authors: Craig, Kenneth Bruce
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace -- South Africa , Teams in the workplace -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8712 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/936 , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa , Teams in the workplace -- Management
- Description: department of BKB Ltd. The research aimed at addressing the team balance, the environment and culture in which the team operates and teamwork competencies of the value chain. Thus, creating a high performance value chain team will add to the success of the team, and hence the company as a whole. Research to establish the degree of teamwork within the value chain was undertaken. A survey which included a structured self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from all eight value chain team members (four section heads and their four supervisors), who represented the entire cross-section of the value chain team. The research revealed the following important points pertaining to the value chain team: • The team’s balance needs to be addressed; and • The culture and environment in which the team operates needs to be reviewed. Points of interest pertaining to teamwork competencies include the following: • The degree of teamwork is average; • The level of individual competencies is high; • The extent that team members are team players is average; • That team communication is below average; • A high perception of hidden agendas exists; • Dysfunctional team conflict exists; • A high level of empowerment and autonomy exists; • Team leadership - team linker is absent; • Co-operation and collaboration is below average; • Team attitude is high; • Team motivation is high; • Team strategies exist, but need more attention; • Team set goals are set; • Free-wheelers exist in the team; • Job satisfaction is above average; • Team recognition is high; and • Team synergy is average. Teamwork needs to be analyzed holistically, to ensure that the complex dynamics of teamwork is acknowledged and understood. A greater knowledge and understanding of the characteristics and measurement criteria of teamwork will equip team enthusiasts in building high performance teams, to the benefit of all role players. High performance team based organisations will add to the current and future success of the business. As the term “synergy” implies, the result is greater than the sum of the individual effects and capabilities. This emphasises why team-based organisations are fast becoming the modern trend of doing business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Craig, Kenneth Bruce
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace -- South Africa , Teams in the workplace -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8712 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/936 , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa , Teams in the workplace -- Management
- Description: department of BKB Ltd. The research aimed at addressing the team balance, the environment and culture in which the team operates and teamwork competencies of the value chain. Thus, creating a high performance value chain team will add to the success of the team, and hence the company as a whole. Research to establish the degree of teamwork within the value chain was undertaken. A survey which included a structured self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from all eight value chain team members (four section heads and their four supervisors), who represented the entire cross-section of the value chain team. The research revealed the following important points pertaining to the value chain team: • The team’s balance needs to be addressed; and • The culture and environment in which the team operates needs to be reviewed. Points of interest pertaining to teamwork competencies include the following: • The degree of teamwork is average; • The level of individual competencies is high; • The extent that team members are team players is average; • That team communication is below average; • A high perception of hidden agendas exists; • Dysfunctional team conflict exists; • A high level of empowerment and autonomy exists; • Team leadership - team linker is absent; • Co-operation and collaboration is below average; • Team attitude is high; • Team motivation is high; • Team strategies exist, but need more attention; • Team set goals are set; • Free-wheelers exist in the team; • Job satisfaction is above average; • Team recognition is high; and • Team synergy is average. Teamwork needs to be analyzed holistically, to ensure that the complex dynamics of teamwork is acknowledged and understood. A greater knowledge and understanding of the characteristics and measurement criteria of teamwork will equip team enthusiasts in building high performance teams, to the benefit of all role players. High performance team based organisations will add to the current and future success of the business. As the term “synergy” implies, the result is greater than the sum of the individual effects and capabilities. This emphasises why team-based organisations are fast becoming the modern trend of doing business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Strategies to improve business success in selected industries
- Authors: Dayan, Oren
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Success in business , Business -- Management , Customer relations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: vital:9366 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/938 , Success in business , Business -- Management , Customer relations -- Management
- Description: Successful economies are dependent on successful industries.The present study explores how business success could be improved in three selected industries, namely the motorcar, high-technology and food manufacturing industries. These industries are vital to growing the economy of countries. The present study made a significant contribution towords identifying a theoretical model to improve the business success of the motorcar, high technology amd the food manufacturing industries. The study showed that various combinations of product launching stategies (distribution channel development, product image, third-party agreements, pricing, e-business, and e-saving), as well as organisational variables (TQM and market culture) are important agreements to achieve increased sales growth and CRM effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Dayan, Oren
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Success in business , Business -- Management , Customer relations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: vital:9366 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/938 , Success in business , Business -- Management , Customer relations -- Management
- Description: Successful economies are dependent on successful industries.The present study explores how business success could be improved in three selected industries, namely the motorcar, high-technology and food manufacturing industries. These industries are vital to growing the economy of countries. The present study made a significant contribution towords identifying a theoretical model to improve the business success of the motorcar, high technology amd the food manufacturing industries. The study showed that various combinations of product launching stategies (distribution channel development, product image, third-party agreements, pricing, e-business, and e-saving), as well as organisational variables (TQM and market culture) are important agreements to achieve increased sales growth and CRM effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A comparison of the values of water inflows into selected South African estuaries : the Heuningnes, Kleinmond, Klein, Palmiet, Cefane, Kwelera and Haga-Haga
- Authors: Dikgang, Johane
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Estuaries -- South Africa -- Cost efffectiveness , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8994 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/804 , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Cost efffectiveness , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Economic aspects
- Description: “An estuary is a partially or fully enclosed body of watera) which is open to the sea permanently or periodically; b) within which the sea water can be diluted, to an extent that is measurable, with freshwater drained from inland” (National Water Act, 1998). Estuaries are ecologically important because they are habitats for birds, fish and plants and they are valuable because they provide human beings with food (fish) and recreational pleasure in the form of unique views, bird watching and opportunities for swimming and boating. It is in this context that they may be said to provide economic goods and services for current and future generations. The provision of these services is dependent on the inflow of freshwater into estuaries. The problem with estuarine freshwater demand is that estuaries are the ‘last in line’, literally and perhaps in the typical prioritisation of human wants by government. Clearly it is imperative that the value of freshwater inflows into estuaries be determined and these values incorporated into catchment management decision making. South African estuaries have in the past mainly been managed on a piecemeal basissometimes in the interest of fishermen, sometimes property development owners and sometimes other local interest groups. This situation changed with the National Water Act of 1998. One of its objectives was to address the mismanagement and inadequate research about water inflow impacts on estuaries (Allanson and Baird, 1999). The global warming phenomenon is going to negatively affect estuaries and put more pressure on the availability of freshwater inflows into estuaries, as well as the availability of drinking water. The majority of South African estuaries are temporally open/closed and experiencing reduced functioning due to reductions of freshwater inflow to them. Given the overwhelming evidence available on the significance of freshwater inflow to estuary functionality, it is clear that an important component of catchment management is the allocation of river water into estuaries. Economic guidance comes in the form of comparisons of value. There are seven estuaries for which values were generated, the Heuningnes, Kleinmond, Klein, Palmiet, Cefane, Kwelera and Haga- Haga. All of the seven estuaries fall in areas characterized by warm temperate climates and low rainfall levels. Estuary services, like many other environmental services, are not traded in the markets. For this reason, in order to estimate their value, reference must be made to proxy markets, and methods of valuation have to be employed that can use proxy market information - like the contingent valuation method (CVM), the travel cost method (TCM) and the hedonic pricing method (HPM). For the purpose of this research the CVM was preferred because it is best suited to including passive or nonuse values. The CVM estimated values are compared with other values generated using the TCM. The information required to make the CVs was gathered through surveys in at the seven selected estuaries from December 2005 to April 2006. From this information sample mean and median Willingness to Pay (WTP) values for freshwater were calculated, socio economic profiles were generated, the importance that respondents attached to various activities in the estuary was deduced, and, Tobit and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) statistics models were used to predict household WTP. The Total WTP (TWTP) for each estuary was obtained by multiplying the median WTP by the total number of households that use the estuary. The median WTP is preferred to the mean WTP because of a skewed bid distribution of WTP among the users. The value per m3 of freshwater was obtained by dividing the TWTP by the total forecast reduction in water inflows into the estuary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Dikgang, Johane
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Estuaries -- South Africa -- Cost efffectiveness , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8994 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/804 , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Cost efffectiveness , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Economic aspects
- Description: “An estuary is a partially or fully enclosed body of watera) which is open to the sea permanently or periodically; b) within which the sea water can be diluted, to an extent that is measurable, with freshwater drained from inland” (National Water Act, 1998). Estuaries are ecologically important because they are habitats for birds, fish and plants and they are valuable because they provide human beings with food (fish) and recreational pleasure in the form of unique views, bird watching and opportunities for swimming and boating. It is in this context that they may be said to provide economic goods and services for current and future generations. The provision of these services is dependent on the inflow of freshwater into estuaries. The problem with estuarine freshwater demand is that estuaries are the ‘last in line’, literally and perhaps in the typical prioritisation of human wants by government. Clearly it is imperative that the value of freshwater inflows into estuaries be determined and these values incorporated into catchment management decision making. South African estuaries have in the past mainly been managed on a piecemeal basissometimes in the interest of fishermen, sometimes property development owners and sometimes other local interest groups. This situation changed with the National Water Act of 1998. One of its objectives was to address the mismanagement and inadequate research about water inflow impacts on estuaries (Allanson and Baird, 1999). The global warming phenomenon is going to negatively affect estuaries and put more pressure on the availability of freshwater inflows into estuaries, as well as the availability of drinking water. The majority of South African estuaries are temporally open/closed and experiencing reduced functioning due to reductions of freshwater inflow to them. Given the overwhelming evidence available on the significance of freshwater inflow to estuary functionality, it is clear that an important component of catchment management is the allocation of river water into estuaries. Economic guidance comes in the form of comparisons of value. There are seven estuaries for which values were generated, the Heuningnes, Kleinmond, Klein, Palmiet, Cefane, Kwelera and Haga- Haga. All of the seven estuaries fall in areas characterized by warm temperate climates and low rainfall levels. Estuary services, like many other environmental services, are not traded in the markets. For this reason, in order to estimate their value, reference must be made to proxy markets, and methods of valuation have to be employed that can use proxy market information - like the contingent valuation method (CVM), the travel cost method (TCM) and the hedonic pricing method (HPM). For the purpose of this research the CVM was preferred because it is best suited to including passive or nonuse values. The CVM estimated values are compared with other values generated using the TCM. The information required to make the CVs was gathered through surveys in at the seven selected estuaries from December 2005 to April 2006. From this information sample mean and median Willingness to Pay (WTP) values for freshwater were calculated, socio economic profiles were generated, the importance that respondents attached to various activities in the estuary was deduced, and, Tobit and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) statistics models were used to predict household WTP. The Total WTP (TWTP) for each estuary was obtained by multiplying the median WTP by the total number of households that use the estuary. The median WTP is preferred to the mean WTP because of a skewed bid distribution of WTP among the users. The value per m3 of freshwater was obtained by dividing the TWTP by the total forecast reduction in water inflows into the estuary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Investigating the potential for the application of lean manufacturing in the can coating plant at Duco Coatings
- Authors: Erasmus, Deidre Felicia
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Manufacturing processes -- South Africa , Waste minimization -- South Africa , Production management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8579 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/949 , Manufacturing processes -- South Africa , Waste minimization -- South Africa , Production management -- South Africa
- Description: Companies are constantly expected to be more competitive while working in an environment in which time and cost are limited, thereby preventing such companies from taking the time required to be responsive. It is, therefore, important that companies 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 lean manufacturing techniques. The lean manufacturing process is one that continuously strives to eliminate waste, thereby increasing the percentage of time that may be devoted to value-adding activities. Lean manufacturing principles were applied in the Can Coating Plant of Duco Speciality Coatings. This study was intended to identify waste in the current production process in the Can Coating Plant and then to use lean tools and principles to eliminate such waste. Implementation of these lean tools proved to result in a leaner and more value-adding process. The new process rendered a positive result on Duco Coating’s costs, quality and product performance. Recommendations on further improvements were also offered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Erasmus, Deidre Felicia
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Manufacturing processes -- South Africa , Waste minimization -- South Africa , Production management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8579 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/949 , Manufacturing processes -- South Africa , Waste minimization -- South Africa , Production management -- South Africa
- Description: Companies are constantly expected to be more competitive while working in an environment in which time and cost are limited, thereby preventing such companies from taking the time required to be responsive. It is, therefore, important that companies 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 lean manufacturing techniques. The lean manufacturing process is one that continuously strives to eliminate waste, thereby increasing the percentage of time that may be devoted to value-adding activities. Lean manufacturing principles were applied in the Can Coating Plant of Duco Speciality Coatings. This study was intended to identify waste in the current production process in the Can Coating Plant and then to use lean tools and principles to eliminate such waste. Implementation of these lean tools proved to result in a leaner and more value-adding process. The new process rendered a positive result on Duco Coating’s costs, quality and product performance. Recommendations on further improvements were also offered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Strategies for retaining talented staff and knowledge managers : a case study
- Authors: Gatyeni, Litha
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/958 , Employee retention -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa
- Description: The South African government is currently targeting 6 per cent economic growth for the country (Mail & Guardian, 2006). The construction industry is one of the growing forces contributing to the current economic growth of South Africa. However, in the speech made by the president Thabo Mbeki, he highlighted the labour market as one of the key constraints to achieving higher and sustainable growth. It is believed that there is a skills shortage or a mismatch in the labour market (Mail & Guardian, 2006). The construction industry has seen a steady growth over the past number of years. When South Africa won the bid to host the 2010 world cup, this required more building work to be done, such as construction of stadia, hotels, etc. This has put further strain in the construction industry. As the work load increases, the companies in the industry require more resources, with the human resources being the most affected. This has seen a high rate of talented staff turnover in the industry as companies seek to increase their capacity to allow them cope with the current work load. The consulting engineering industry plays a critical role of the construction industry. The selected company is part of the electrical and mechanical consulting engineering industry which has also been affected by the high talented staff turnover. The main purpose for this research was to identify retention strategies that can be used by the selected company to reduce the turnover of their talented staff. The research also investigated methods to retain the knowledge within the company that was possibly lost due to a high talented staff turnover rate. The first step used to resolve the issues discussed above was to complete a full literature study. The literature study sought to reveal what characteristics were required in the company that ensured staff would be happy in that company and remain there for a long time. The literature study also covered what knowledge iv management methods can be used by the company to retain its valuable knowledge. Secondly, the views of current staff, ex-staff and management of the selected company on staff and knowledge management strategies were asked in an empirical study, which involved completing questionnaires and conducting structured interviews. Based on the findings of the literature study and the empirical study, the last step was to make recommendations on what strategies should be implemented to retain staff and knowledge for the selected company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Gatyeni, Litha
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/958 , Employee retention -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa
- Description: The South African government is currently targeting 6 per cent economic growth for the country (Mail & Guardian, 2006). The construction industry is one of the growing forces contributing to the current economic growth of South Africa. However, in the speech made by the president Thabo Mbeki, he highlighted the labour market as one of the key constraints to achieving higher and sustainable growth. It is believed that there is a skills shortage or a mismatch in the labour market (Mail & Guardian, 2006). The construction industry has seen a steady growth over the past number of years. When South Africa won the bid to host the 2010 world cup, this required more building work to be done, such as construction of stadia, hotels, etc. This has put further strain in the construction industry. As the work load increases, the companies in the industry require more resources, with the human resources being the most affected. This has seen a high rate of talented staff turnover in the industry as companies seek to increase their capacity to allow them cope with the current work load. The consulting engineering industry plays a critical role of the construction industry. The selected company is part of the electrical and mechanical consulting engineering industry which has also been affected by the high talented staff turnover. The main purpose for this research was to identify retention strategies that can be used by the selected company to reduce the turnover of their talented staff. The research also investigated methods to retain the knowledge within the company that was possibly lost due to a high talented staff turnover rate. The first step used to resolve the issues discussed above was to complete a full literature study. The literature study sought to reveal what characteristics were required in the company that ensured staff would be happy in that company and remain there for a long time. The literature study also covered what knowledge iv management methods can be used by the company to retain its valuable knowledge. Secondly, the views of current staff, ex-staff and management of the selected company on staff and knowledge management strategies were asked in an empirical study, which involved completing questionnaires and conducting structured interviews. Based on the findings of the literature study and the empirical study, the last step was to make recommendations on what strategies should be implemented to retain staff and knowledge for the selected company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A study of the conducivness of the culture at Freeworld Automotive Coatings to the implementation of lean maunfacturing techniques
- Authors: Gray, Alexander George
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8719 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/910 , Corporate culture -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Description: It is becoming increasingly important for companies to be responsive to global demands and in order to remain competitive, many companies are looking at lean manufacturing to help them achieve this. Lean manufacturing is however more than just a set of tools as it also requires a change in the organisational culture of the company involved. The creation of an organisation that has a culture of continuous improvement and achieving results through its various principles and philosophies is a main factor in Toyota’s Toyota Way Model. It was the aim of this research study to analyse and determine the factors relating to the impact of an organisation’s culture on the concepts of lean manufacturing based on the Toyota Way model. This was achieved by analysing how conducive the current organisational culture at Freeworld Automotive Coatings to the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles? The method used for the research study was the questionnaire method using a lean culture assessment questionnaire that has been designed by the researcher that was aligned to the principles important to the Toyota Way model. It can be concluded from the research findings of this study indicates that the existing organisational culture of Freeworld Automotive coatings is relatively conducive to the implementation of lean manufacturing principles within the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Gray, Alexander George
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8719 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/910 , Corporate culture -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Description: It is becoming increasingly important for companies to be responsive to global demands and in order to remain competitive, many companies are looking at lean manufacturing to help them achieve this. Lean manufacturing is however more than just a set of tools as it also requires a change in the organisational culture of the company involved. The creation of an organisation that has a culture of continuous improvement and achieving results through its various principles and philosophies is a main factor in Toyota’s Toyota Way Model. It was the aim of this research study to analyse and determine the factors relating to the impact of an organisation’s culture on the concepts of lean manufacturing based on the Toyota Way model. This was achieved by analysing how conducive the current organisational culture at Freeworld Automotive Coatings to the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles? The method used for the research study was the questionnaire method using a lean culture assessment questionnaire that has been designed by the researcher that was aligned to the principles important to the Toyota Way model. It can be concluded from the research findings of this study indicates that the existing organisational culture of Freeworld Automotive coatings is relatively conducive to the implementation of lean manufacturing principles within the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An analysis of the use of limited real rights in tax planning
- Authors: Green, Christopher Terrence
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Tax planning , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Limited liability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/809 , Tax planning , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Limited liability
- Description: The aim of this treatise is to provide an analysis of the tax implications of making use of limited real rights in tax planning. In order to understand the tax implications of making use of limited real rights it is necessary to understand the nature and legal form of these rights. The importance of this understanding lies in the determination of the tax legislation applicable to the right in question, and the subsequent tax implications. The next step in working through an analysis of the tax implications of making use of limited real rights is therefore to define the scope of applicable legislation. This required an analysis of the scoping provisions of our tax legislation. Once the scope of applicable legislation had been defined, it was then possible to move onto an analysis of the application of the legislation identified to the various “stages” of limited real rights. The conclusion from this analysis is that the tax implications of making use of limited real rights are spread fairly broadly across several different pieces of legislation, and need to be carefully and fully considered when making a decision to make use of limited real rights in a tax planning strategy. The conclusion on the analysis of certain selected tax planning strategies that make use of limited real rights is that it is possible to make fairly substantial cash flow savings when deciding to implement a particular strategy which makes use of limited real rights. But, that use of these strategies is not without risk. For example, SARS may examine a particular strategy in terms of the “new” GAAR. The financial implications of the successful application of the GAAR may be disastrous to the taxpayer, and the tax planner will need to have considered and advised on the possibility of such a challenge from SARS. In addition, in some of the strategies, there are risks associated with the anticipated life expectancy of parties to the tax plan being shorter than anticipated. The conclusion is that the use of limited real rights in tax planning can be effective and provide savings, but that the use of such a strategy requires, inter alia, a very careful consideration of the interaction and application of our tax legislation to the strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Green, Christopher Terrence
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Tax planning , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Limited liability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/809 , Tax planning , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Limited liability
- Description: The aim of this treatise is to provide an analysis of the tax implications of making use of limited real rights in tax planning. In order to understand the tax implications of making use of limited real rights it is necessary to understand the nature and legal form of these rights. The importance of this understanding lies in the determination of the tax legislation applicable to the right in question, and the subsequent tax implications. The next step in working through an analysis of the tax implications of making use of limited real rights is therefore to define the scope of applicable legislation. This required an analysis of the scoping provisions of our tax legislation. Once the scope of applicable legislation had been defined, it was then possible to move onto an analysis of the application of the legislation identified to the various “stages” of limited real rights. The conclusion from this analysis is that the tax implications of making use of limited real rights are spread fairly broadly across several different pieces of legislation, and need to be carefully and fully considered when making a decision to make use of limited real rights in a tax planning strategy. The conclusion on the analysis of certain selected tax planning strategies that make use of limited real rights is that it is possible to make fairly substantial cash flow savings when deciding to implement a particular strategy which makes use of limited real rights. But, that use of these strategies is not without risk. For example, SARS may examine a particular strategy in terms of the “new” GAAR. The financial implications of the successful application of the GAAR may be disastrous to the taxpayer, and the tax planner will need to have considered and advised on the possibility of such a challenge from SARS. In addition, in some of the strategies, there are risks associated with the anticipated life expectancy of parties to the tax plan being shorter than anticipated. The conclusion is that the use of limited real rights in tax planning can be effective and provide savings, but that the use of such a strategy requires, inter alia, a very careful consideration of the interaction and application of our tax legislation to the strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of product quality and consumer satisfaction in the FMCG market : Pick 'n Pay hypermarket, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Hallam, Edward James
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Quality of products -- Management , Quality of products -- Evaluation , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9364 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/974 , Quality of products -- Management , Quality of products -- Evaluation , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: In an intensely competitive retail market, keeping consumers satisfied has never been more important than currently. Retailers need to understand how to satisfy their customers in order to enhance their appeal and increase consumer loyalty. Globally people’s lifestyles are changing rapidly. Advances in technology, more flexi-time of customers, and the many other social and economic changes affecting family and home life are some of the reasons why, specifically in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, it is important to act fast to service customers. In South Africa, there is indication of strong competition between the most dominant firms’ in the FMCG market, which include Pick ‘n Pay Holdings Limited (23.8 percent), Shoprite Holdings Limited (23.8 percent), the Spar Group Limited (14.9 percent), and Woolworths Holdings Limited (9.0 percent). As a result, it is unmistakable that in order for FMCG firms to grow and survive in the constantly changing, and competitive retail environment of South Africa, they must have a clear understanding of consumer’s expectations, as well as their actual shopping experiences. As stated, service quality for retailers of FMCG is of utmost importance to their level of success and ability to successfully cater for the market’s needs. Closely linked to this, is the focus of this study, namely to investigate consumers’ perceived levels of product quality, as well as the overall level of satisfaction experienced by customers. The purpose of this analytical research project is twofold: Firstly, to empirically test the hypothetical model and the associated hypotheses (as phrased in Section 1.4) by using confirmatory statistical techniques. Secondly, based on the findings of the research, to craft appropriate retail marketing strategies within the FMCG market that are suitable for implementation to address potential mismatches (gaps) of perceived product quality and consumers’ satisfaction. By the crafting of appropriate retail strategies, the potential to develop the FMCG industry in South Africa will be enhanced. Given the purpose and nature of the research in question, a positivistic research paradigm was adopted. The utilization of a Likert seven-point scale enabled primary data to be sourced from 301 consumers’ (respondents), who shared their perceptions on the expectations and actual experiences about the product quality of FMCG in South Africa. The statistical analysis of quantitative data comprised seven distinct phases. Firstly, the data was subjected to a confirmatory factor analysis to validate the measurement model by assessing the construct (convergent, discriminant and nomological) validity of the pre-specified (predicted) factors. Secondly, the reliability (internal consistency) of the research instrument was assessed by means of Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients. This phase was followed by a multiple linear regression analyses which were used to test the impact of independent variables on the intervening variable. In order to test the second set of hypotheses (null and alternative hypotheses dealing with consumers’ expected product quality and their actual experiences) matched paired t-tests were utilized. Additionally, mean scores and relative percentage ratings on consumers’ expected and perceived product quality levels were also calculated and interpreted. Finally, bivariate linear regression analyses were used to test the third set of hypotheses (impact of consumers perceived product quality on consumers overall level of satisfaction). The findings of the multiple linear regression analyses required that the hypothetical model be reconstructed. Two variables were removed from the hypothetical model, namely, ‘South African culture’ and ‘service promises’. The findings of the matched pair t-tests show that significant statistical differences do exist between the ‘expectations’ and ‘actual experiences’ of consumers’ perceived product quality to support the hypothesis H3.A, namely: “There are no perceived differences between consumers’ expectations and their perceptions (actual experience) of product quality”. Besides the matched pair t-tests, further descriptive statistical analyses were also performed to assess the magnitude of the “gap” between expectations and actual experiences of consumers on South African FMCG product quality, such as the values for Cohen’s d and relative percentage ratings. The findings reveal that the consumers’ were not completely satisfied with their actual experiences. Three sets of conclusions and recommendations were identified for this research. Firstly, conclusions emanating from secondary sources on product quality and consumers’ satisfaction literature were provided, such as consumer satisfaction is seen more as a psychological state, which reveals an overall feeling of consumers’ purchase and consumption experience with FMCG. Secondly, the conclusions linked to the interpretation of the empirical findings revealed significant statistical differences between the expectations and perceptions (actual experiences) of consumers’ on perceived product quality. Finally, recommendations on relevant FMCG retail marketing strategies can be grouped into five domains: To build customer-led firms which adhere to the principles of true marketing orientation where the focus is on consumers and their needs and wants. Identify and clearly define the FMCG market in South Africa which comprises different market segments that are of great importance for the retail firms. The decision on a proper positioning strategy entails the choice of the target market segments, which will determine where and how the FMCG firm competes and the choice of differential advantages. Retailers should apply suitable marketing strategies to benefit optimally from their FMCG retail marketing strategies. A sound feedback system is a necessary component in the strategic marketing plan to obtain proper feedback that would contribute to the “management by exception” principle. It further will facilitate performance evaluation of product quality and service delivery, as well as and enable corrective actions to be taken in the case of deviations from the norm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Hallam, Edward James
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Quality of products -- Management , Quality of products -- Evaluation , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9364 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/974 , Quality of products -- Management , Quality of products -- Evaluation , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: In an intensely competitive retail market, keeping consumers satisfied has never been more important than currently. Retailers need to understand how to satisfy their customers in order to enhance their appeal and increase consumer loyalty. Globally people’s lifestyles are changing rapidly. Advances in technology, more flexi-time of customers, and the many other social and economic changes affecting family and home life are some of the reasons why, specifically in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, it is important to act fast to service customers. In South Africa, there is indication of strong competition between the most dominant firms’ in the FMCG market, which include Pick ‘n Pay Holdings Limited (23.8 percent), Shoprite Holdings Limited (23.8 percent), the Spar Group Limited (14.9 percent), and Woolworths Holdings Limited (9.0 percent). As a result, it is unmistakable that in order for FMCG firms to grow and survive in the constantly changing, and competitive retail environment of South Africa, they must have a clear understanding of consumer’s expectations, as well as their actual shopping experiences. As stated, service quality for retailers of FMCG is of utmost importance to their level of success and ability to successfully cater for the market’s needs. Closely linked to this, is the focus of this study, namely to investigate consumers’ perceived levels of product quality, as well as the overall level of satisfaction experienced by customers. The purpose of this analytical research project is twofold: Firstly, to empirically test the hypothetical model and the associated hypotheses (as phrased in Section 1.4) by using confirmatory statistical techniques. Secondly, based on the findings of the research, to craft appropriate retail marketing strategies within the FMCG market that are suitable for implementation to address potential mismatches (gaps) of perceived product quality and consumers’ satisfaction. By the crafting of appropriate retail strategies, the potential to develop the FMCG industry in South Africa will be enhanced. Given the purpose and nature of the research in question, a positivistic research paradigm was adopted. The utilization of a Likert seven-point scale enabled primary data to be sourced from 301 consumers’ (respondents), who shared their perceptions on the expectations and actual experiences about the product quality of FMCG in South Africa. The statistical analysis of quantitative data comprised seven distinct phases. Firstly, the data was subjected to a confirmatory factor analysis to validate the measurement model by assessing the construct (convergent, discriminant and nomological) validity of the pre-specified (predicted) factors. Secondly, the reliability (internal consistency) of the research instrument was assessed by means of Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients. This phase was followed by a multiple linear regression analyses which were used to test the impact of independent variables on the intervening variable. In order to test the second set of hypotheses (null and alternative hypotheses dealing with consumers’ expected product quality and their actual experiences) matched paired t-tests were utilized. Additionally, mean scores and relative percentage ratings on consumers’ expected and perceived product quality levels were also calculated and interpreted. Finally, bivariate linear regression analyses were used to test the third set of hypotheses (impact of consumers perceived product quality on consumers overall level of satisfaction). The findings of the multiple linear regression analyses required that the hypothetical model be reconstructed. Two variables were removed from the hypothetical model, namely, ‘South African culture’ and ‘service promises’. The findings of the matched pair t-tests show that significant statistical differences do exist between the ‘expectations’ and ‘actual experiences’ of consumers’ perceived product quality to support the hypothesis H3.A, namely: “There are no perceived differences between consumers’ expectations and their perceptions (actual experience) of product quality”. Besides the matched pair t-tests, further descriptive statistical analyses were also performed to assess the magnitude of the “gap” between expectations and actual experiences of consumers on South African FMCG product quality, such as the values for Cohen’s d and relative percentage ratings. The findings reveal that the consumers’ were not completely satisfied with their actual experiences. Three sets of conclusions and recommendations were identified for this research. Firstly, conclusions emanating from secondary sources on product quality and consumers’ satisfaction literature were provided, such as consumer satisfaction is seen more as a psychological state, which reveals an overall feeling of consumers’ purchase and consumption experience with FMCG. Secondly, the conclusions linked to the interpretation of the empirical findings revealed significant statistical differences between the expectations and perceptions (actual experiences) of consumers’ on perceived product quality. Finally, recommendations on relevant FMCG retail marketing strategies can be grouped into five domains: To build customer-led firms which adhere to the principles of true marketing orientation where the focus is on consumers and their needs and wants. Identify and clearly define the FMCG market in South Africa which comprises different market segments that are of great importance for the retail firms. The decision on a proper positioning strategy entails the choice of the target market segments, which will determine where and how the FMCG firm competes and the choice of differential advantages. Retailers should apply suitable marketing strategies to benefit optimally from their FMCG retail marketing strategies. A sound feedback system is a necessary component in the strategic marketing plan to obtain proper feedback that would contribute to the “management by exception” principle. It further will facilitate performance evaluation of product quality and service delivery, as well as and enable corrective actions to be taken in the case of deviations from the norm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The perceptions of Chinese tourists of the Western Cape Region travel destination
- Authors: Hu, Jiang
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Chinese -- Travel -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Attitudes , Tourism -- South Africa -- Marketing , Tourism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9365 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/967 , Chinese -- Travel -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Attitudes , Tourism -- South Africa -- Marketing , Tourism -- South Africa
- Description: As a result of significantly improving relationship between South Africa and China, Chinese tourists traveling to South Africa have become a more noticeable group of travelers. More and more Chinese tourists choose South Africa as a tourism destination; especially Cape Town in the Western Cape region for a variety purposes such as relaxation, business and/or shopping. This research investigates the perceptions and motivation of Chinese tourists coming to the Western Cape region of South Africa. The proposed strategy of promoting the Western Cape region as a travel destination can be made based on the perceptions and motivation of Chinese tourists to the Western Cape. The study focuses on clearly understanding the perception of Chinese tourists by studying tourist behaviour and consumer motivation. The process of decision making and factors impacting on decision making are addressed in the research. A survey questionnaire was administered to Chinese tourists visiting South Africa. The primary data received by questionnaire was analyzed to show what actually Chinese tourists consider Western Cape as a travel destination. The Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) was utilized for analysis of data collected by the questionnaire. These general groups of data are discussed in the research. There are personal information, the motivation for travelling, and perceptions of respondents in the Western Cape region in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Hu, Jiang
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Chinese -- Travel -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Attitudes , Tourism -- South Africa -- Marketing , Tourism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9365 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/967 , Chinese -- Travel -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Attitudes , Tourism -- South Africa -- Marketing , Tourism -- South Africa
- Description: As a result of significantly improving relationship between South Africa and China, Chinese tourists traveling to South Africa have become a more noticeable group of travelers. More and more Chinese tourists choose South Africa as a tourism destination; especially Cape Town in the Western Cape region for a variety purposes such as relaxation, business and/or shopping. This research investigates the perceptions and motivation of Chinese tourists coming to the Western Cape region of South Africa. The proposed strategy of promoting the Western Cape region as a travel destination can be made based on the perceptions and motivation of Chinese tourists to the Western Cape. The study focuses on clearly understanding the perception of Chinese tourists by studying tourist behaviour and consumer motivation. The process of decision making and factors impacting on decision making are addressed in the research. A survey questionnaire was administered to Chinese tourists visiting South Africa. The primary data received by questionnaire was analyzed to show what actually Chinese tourists consider Western Cape as a travel destination. The Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) was utilized for analysis of data collected by the questionnaire. These general groups of data are discussed in the research. There are personal information, the motivation for travelling, and perceptions of respondents in the Western Cape region in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The development of a total quality management organisational culture for Eden District Municipality
- Authors: Jantjies, Xavier
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Total quality management -- South Africa -- Eden district municipality , Total quality management in government -- South Africa -- Eden district municipality , Organizational effectiveness , Industrial management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8708 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/988 , Total quality management -- South Africa -- Eden district municipality , Total quality management in government -- South Africa -- Eden district municipality , Organizational effectiveness , Industrial management
- Description: Local governments are under tremendous pressure to control their costs and improve their services. Managing quality at local government level implies an enormous upheaval in organisational culture. The changing environment calls for new approaches to meeting the organisation’s mission. Total quality management is one of the tools, which government organisations are embracing to meet the growing demand of a changing environment. This paper will discuss the quest for service excellence and continuous improvement and the role of employees in total quality management and how this can be maximized by managers. It will also focus on cultural transformation principles that are useful in promoting quality processes and output and consequently service excellence in an organisation. The main objective of this research study is to investigate how a total quality management organisational culture can be developed at Eden District Municipality. To realize it, the current organisational culture at Eden District Municipality was analysed to determine what should be done. A literature review was conducted to determine the components of a total quality management organisational culture. All this information was used to formulate an approach for the development of a total quality management organisational culture. The empirical study involved a questionnaire, a sample and statistical analysis adapted to solve the main and sub-problems of the study. The research data indicated that Eden District Municipality does not support a total quality management organisational culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Jantjies, Xavier
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Total quality management -- South Africa -- Eden district municipality , Total quality management in government -- South Africa -- Eden district municipality , Organizational effectiveness , Industrial management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8708 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/988 , Total quality management -- South Africa -- Eden district municipality , Total quality management in government -- South Africa -- Eden district municipality , Organizational effectiveness , Industrial management
- Description: Local governments are under tremendous pressure to control their costs and improve their services. Managing quality at local government level implies an enormous upheaval in organisational culture. The changing environment calls for new approaches to meeting the organisation’s mission. Total quality management is one of the tools, which government organisations are embracing to meet the growing demand of a changing environment. This paper will discuss the quest for service excellence and continuous improvement and the role of employees in total quality management and how this can be maximized by managers. It will also focus on cultural transformation principles that are useful in promoting quality processes and output and consequently service excellence in an organisation. The main objective of this research study is to investigate how a total quality management organisational culture can be developed at Eden District Municipality. To realize it, the current organisational culture at Eden District Municipality was analysed to determine what should be done. A literature review was conducted to determine the components of a total quality management organisational culture. All this information was used to formulate an approach for the development of a total quality management organisational culture. The empirical study involved a questionnaire, a sample and statistical analysis adapted to solve the main and sub-problems of the study. The research data indicated that Eden District Municipality does not support a total quality management organisational culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Corporate governance for sustainable development : implications for non-executive directors and the management accounting function
- Jodwana, Thembinkosi Anthony Vincent
- Authors: Jodwana, Thembinkosi Anthony Vincent
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Corporate governance , Sustainable development , Directors of corporations , Corporations -- Finance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/807 , Corporate governance , Sustainable development , Directors of corporations , Corporations -- Finance -- Management
- Description: This paper will discuss the role that corporate governance can play in promoting sustainable development. Sustainable development is discussed in relation to three things: • Current development which does not result in the damage and destruction of the environment to the detriment of future inhabitants of this planet. This paper will discuss the role that corporate governance can play in promoting sustainable development. Sustainable development is discussed in relation to three things: • Current development which does not result in the damage and destruction of the environment to the detriment of future inhabitants of this planet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Jodwana, Thembinkosi Anthony Vincent
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Corporate governance , Sustainable development , Directors of corporations , Corporations -- Finance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/807 , Corporate governance , Sustainable development , Directors of corporations , Corporations -- Finance -- Management
- Description: This paper will discuss the role that corporate governance can play in promoting sustainable development. Sustainable development is discussed in relation to three things: • Current development which does not result in the damage and destruction of the environment to the detriment of future inhabitants of this planet. This paper will discuss the role that corporate governance can play in promoting sustainable development. Sustainable development is discussed in relation to three things: • Current development which does not result in the damage and destruction of the environment to the detriment of future inhabitants of this planet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008