An analysis of the degree of implementation of total quality and technology management principles to enhance the competitive status of a cable manufacturing company
- Authors: De Booi, Ndumiso Witness
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Total quality management , Technology -- Management , Electric wire and cable industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9270 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/195 , Total quality management , Technology -- Management , Electric wire and cable industry -- South Africa
- Description: The cable manufacturing industry may not be well known to some people, yet people’s very lives depend on products and services it produces. Today people live in a highly technological or digital world where most of the technology used by society has at least one electrical cable in it or is connected to a countrywide electrical or communications network through electrical cables in order to work. Well trained and experienced corporate and business leaders recognize the importance of lean supply chain and of being closer to one’s business suppliers for efficient running of the business. Like in all other countries where these industries exist, it is vital that the cable manufacturing industry survives and prospers in South Africa, for the benefit of South African telecommunications, electricity suppliers, computer networks and many more industries. However, today there are almost no boundaries in business owing to globalization which enhances free trade. The business environment is changing and there is fierce competition amongst international rivals. What happens then when customers are not happy with low quality products of one supplier? Would they not leave that supplier and look to the competition in order to get good quality products at reasonable prices? Of course they would. Consequently such a supplier would lose market share and ultimately be forced out of business. This research investigates the shortcomings in terms of the implementation of the principles of total quality and technology management in the cable manufacturing industry. It identifies the internationally recognised principles in the fields of total quality management and technology management as a means of enhancing a competitive advantage. Training and development are identified as extremely important supporting mechanisms which should be done professionally for the best results in the implementation of total quality and technology management principles. Finally, suggestions and recommendations based on best management practice are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: De Booi, Ndumiso Witness
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Total quality management , Technology -- Management , Electric wire and cable industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9270 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/195 , Total quality management , Technology -- Management , Electric wire and cable industry -- South Africa
- Description: The cable manufacturing industry may not be well known to some people, yet people’s very lives depend on products and services it produces. Today people live in a highly technological or digital world where most of the technology used by society has at least one electrical cable in it or is connected to a countrywide electrical or communications network through electrical cables in order to work. Well trained and experienced corporate and business leaders recognize the importance of lean supply chain and of being closer to one’s business suppliers for efficient running of the business. Like in all other countries where these industries exist, it is vital that the cable manufacturing industry survives and prospers in South Africa, for the benefit of South African telecommunications, electricity suppliers, computer networks and many more industries. However, today there are almost no boundaries in business owing to globalization which enhances free trade. The business environment is changing and there is fierce competition amongst international rivals. What happens then when customers are not happy with low quality products of one supplier? Would they not leave that supplier and look to the competition in order to get good quality products at reasonable prices? Of course they would. Consequently such a supplier would lose market share and ultimately be forced out of business. This research investigates the shortcomings in terms of the implementation of the principles of total quality and technology management in the cable manufacturing industry. It identifies the internationally recognised principles in the fields of total quality management and technology management as a means of enhancing a competitive advantage. Training and development are identified as extremely important supporting mechanisms which should be done professionally for the best results in the implementation of total quality and technology management principles. Finally, suggestions and recommendations based on best management practice are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An assessment of the impact of organisational restructuring on the morale of employees at a selected financial institution
- Authors: Zweni, Tembela
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Organizational change , Employee morale , Financial institutions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9267 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/204 , Organizational change , Employee morale , Financial institutions -- South Africa
- Description: Rising global competition, the influence of advances in information technology and the re-engineering of business processes are some of the imperatives that force organisations to restructure their businesses. In South Africa, the situation is even more compelling, with the recent democratisation of the country that requires companies to implement certain restructuring programmes designed to empower previously disadvantaged individuals. Organisational restructuring is therefore inevitable for any organisation. These changes, however, do affect organisations and employees. Employees become insecure, confused about their jobs, and therefore less productive. To the extent that change can adversely affect both organisations and employees, it becomes critical that organisations should implement it carefully, if they are to survive. To achieve this, requires managers to fully understand drivers of change, the possible consequences of change on both organisation and employees, and to take appropriate actions. The main objective of this study was to identify possible approaches that organisations can pursue in implementing restructuring without adversely affecting the employees. The practical context chosen was an organisation that had recently implemented organisational restructuring. The research methodology for this study entailed the conducting of an intensive study of the relevant literature, to determine what the theory reveals in respect of restructuring strategies that can assist organisations in effectively implementing the restructuring process. Dissertations, theses, research reports and journals were consulted, in an attempt to formulate a theoretical basis for this study. The contemporary literature reveals that there are various strategies that organisations can employ to effectively restructure their organisations with minimal adverse influence on employees. The restructuring organisations should ensure that employees are genuinely involved in the process at the iv outset. The desired changes and the benefits thereof, should be clearly and consistently communicated to the employees at the beginning of the restructuring process. An empirical study was then conducted at the chosen organisation that had recently embarked on an organisational restructuring. The focal point of the empirical study was to determine how this organisation had implemented its restructuring process. The main purpose was to establish the impact that this restructuring had on the morale and motivation of the employees. The final step of this study included an assessment of the findings. This was done so that suitable conclusions could be drawn and appropriate recommendations made. The conclusions revolved around the effects of restructuring on the employees of this organisation. The focus of the recommendations was on what approaches the restructuring organisations should follow to successfully and effectively implement the restructuring process, without adversely affecting the employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Zweni, Tembela
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Organizational change , Employee morale , Financial institutions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9267 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/204 , Organizational change , Employee morale , Financial institutions -- South Africa
- Description: Rising global competition, the influence of advances in information technology and the re-engineering of business processes are some of the imperatives that force organisations to restructure their businesses. In South Africa, the situation is even more compelling, with the recent democratisation of the country that requires companies to implement certain restructuring programmes designed to empower previously disadvantaged individuals. Organisational restructuring is therefore inevitable for any organisation. These changes, however, do affect organisations and employees. Employees become insecure, confused about their jobs, and therefore less productive. To the extent that change can adversely affect both organisations and employees, it becomes critical that organisations should implement it carefully, if they are to survive. To achieve this, requires managers to fully understand drivers of change, the possible consequences of change on both organisation and employees, and to take appropriate actions. The main objective of this study was to identify possible approaches that organisations can pursue in implementing restructuring without adversely affecting the employees. The practical context chosen was an organisation that had recently implemented organisational restructuring. The research methodology for this study entailed the conducting of an intensive study of the relevant literature, to determine what the theory reveals in respect of restructuring strategies that can assist organisations in effectively implementing the restructuring process. Dissertations, theses, research reports and journals were consulted, in an attempt to formulate a theoretical basis for this study. The contemporary literature reveals that there are various strategies that organisations can employ to effectively restructure their organisations with minimal adverse influence on employees. The restructuring organisations should ensure that employees are genuinely involved in the process at the iv outset. The desired changes and the benefits thereof, should be clearly and consistently communicated to the employees at the beginning of the restructuring process. An empirical study was then conducted at the chosen organisation that had recently embarked on an organisational restructuring. The focal point of the empirical study was to determine how this organisation had implemented its restructuring process. The main purpose was to establish the impact that this restructuring had on the morale and motivation of the employees. The final step of this study included an assessment of the findings. This was done so that suitable conclusions could be drawn and appropriate recommendations made. The conclusions revolved around the effects of restructuring on the employees of this organisation. The focus of the recommendations was on what approaches the restructuring organisations should follow to successfully and effectively implement the restructuring process, without adversely affecting the employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into retaining specialised employees within Spoornet
- Authors: Swanepoel, Jack Ian
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Employee retention , Spoornet (Firm : South Africa) -- Officals and employees , Railroads -- South Africa -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9272 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/241 , Employee retention , Spoornet (Firm : South Africa) -- Officals and employees , Railroads -- South Africa -- Employees
- Description: State-owned enterprises (SOE’s) in South Africa have long been financial albatrosses around the government’s neck. The government decided to restructure them so that they can play a role in the overall economic development of the country (Didiza, 2002:15). Transnet, one of South Africa’s largest SOE’s, is the largest transportation company in South Africa and is divided into various business units, of which Spoornet (rail transportation) is one. Spoornet has had to evolve from a subsidised state owned enterprise to a semi-privatised business unit, able to survive in a competitive business world. This entailed streamlining and restructuring the business unit in order for it to become more productive and financially fit. One of the biggest threats was the amount of human capital that Spoornet employed. The workforce had to be reduced in order to allow Spoornet to become an effective and competitive business unit. In addition to this, Spoornet must adhere to affirmative action policies instituted by government labour laws (Employment Equity Act, Act 55 of 1998). This act was introduced to redress the present effects of South Africa’s past in bringing about a diverse workforce broadly representing South Africa’s demographics. This has resulted in early retirement packages being offered to assist Spoornet in achieving employment equity targets. All of these changes have had a major impact on employee turnover that has resulted in a large amount of skills and expertise being lost. Professional, specialised and skilled people are in global demand, which has added to the exodus of employees from many organisations. Spoornet has experienced this at an alarming rate, so much so that in 2001, they established a retention committee to address ways to reverse the high number of specialised employee exits. Abstract iv The overall purpose of the research was to identify strategies for Spoornet to retain their specialised and skilled employees, thereby reducing the amount of specialised and skilled staff turnover. The research methodology for this study comprised the following steps: • Firstly, a full literature study regarding strategies that an organisation can utilise for the retention of their critical employees was researched. • Secondly, the views of current Spoornet employees on retention strategies were assessed in an empirical study, which involved completing a questionnaire. • Lastly, recommendations due to the findings of the researcher were identified for Spoornet to retain their highly skilled and specialised employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Swanepoel, Jack Ian
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Employee retention , Spoornet (Firm : South Africa) -- Officals and employees , Railroads -- South Africa -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9272 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/241 , Employee retention , Spoornet (Firm : South Africa) -- Officals and employees , Railroads -- South Africa -- Employees
- Description: State-owned enterprises (SOE’s) in South Africa have long been financial albatrosses around the government’s neck. The government decided to restructure them so that they can play a role in the overall economic development of the country (Didiza, 2002:15). Transnet, one of South Africa’s largest SOE’s, is the largest transportation company in South Africa and is divided into various business units, of which Spoornet (rail transportation) is one. Spoornet has had to evolve from a subsidised state owned enterprise to a semi-privatised business unit, able to survive in a competitive business world. This entailed streamlining and restructuring the business unit in order for it to become more productive and financially fit. One of the biggest threats was the amount of human capital that Spoornet employed. The workforce had to be reduced in order to allow Spoornet to become an effective and competitive business unit. In addition to this, Spoornet must adhere to affirmative action policies instituted by government labour laws (Employment Equity Act, Act 55 of 1998). This act was introduced to redress the present effects of South Africa’s past in bringing about a diverse workforce broadly representing South Africa’s demographics. This has resulted in early retirement packages being offered to assist Spoornet in achieving employment equity targets. All of these changes have had a major impact on employee turnover that has resulted in a large amount of skills and expertise being lost. Professional, specialised and skilled people are in global demand, which has added to the exodus of employees from many organisations. Spoornet has experienced this at an alarming rate, so much so that in 2001, they established a retention committee to address ways to reverse the high number of specialised employee exits. Abstract iv The overall purpose of the research was to identify strategies for Spoornet to retain their specialised and skilled employees, thereby reducing the amount of specialised and skilled staff turnover. The research methodology for this study comprised the following steps: • Firstly, a full literature study regarding strategies that an organisation can utilise for the retention of their critical employees was researched. • Secondly, the views of current Spoornet employees on retention strategies were assessed in an empirical study, which involved completing a questionnaire. • Lastly, recommendations due to the findings of the researcher were identified for Spoornet to retain their highly skilled and specialised employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the application (positioning) of geographic information systems (GIS)in PROPNET for competitivie advantange
- Authors: Lawrence, Gavin Eldred
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Positioning (Advertising)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8562 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/243 , Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Positioning (Advertising)
- Description: In an ever changing competitive environment, business is constantly faced with decisions. The ability to make informed decisions hinges on the organization’s power to properly integrate/position technology into the business processes of the organization. To stay in business organizations must be able to compete with rivals in their industry. The purpose of this research is to determine why the Geographic Information System (GIS) is not being utilized to its full potential. In order to determine the reason for this under utilization a literature study was undertaken with respect to GIS, how GIS is being positioned within PROPNET and what steps can be taken to improve the strategic positioning of GIS within PROPNET. A study was conducted which was limited to GIS professionals. An introduction to GIS is also given. A survey was then conducted within PROPNET. The survey covered competitive advantage, the value chain, kinds of information systems in relation to the different groups served within an organization and GIS. The results of the research survey corresponded with views expressed in the literature. Results concluded that GIS is incorrectly positioned within PROPNET for it to be competitive and that it should be repositioned within the operational level of the organization and utilized as a transaction processing system. The repositioning will lead to competitive advantage over rivals. Literature also revealed that GIS can be found in all sectors of the value chain. A strategy is proposed to reposition GIS within PROPNET. Recommendations are made to guide the repositioning. The subject field is new and there is little literature on GIS positioning and competitive advantage. There are significant advantages to repositioning GIS within PROPNET.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Lawrence, Gavin Eldred
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Positioning (Advertising)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8562 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/243 , Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Positioning (Advertising)
- Description: In an ever changing competitive environment, business is constantly faced with decisions. The ability to make informed decisions hinges on the organization’s power to properly integrate/position technology into the business processes of the organization. To stay in business organizations must be able to compete with rivals in their industry. The purpose of this research is to determine why the Geographic Information System (GIS) is not being utilized to its full potential. In order to determine the reason for this under utilization a literature study was undertaken with respect to GIS, how GIS is being positioned within PROPNET and what steps can be taken to improve the strategic positioning of GIS within PROPNET. A study was conducted which was limited to GIS professionals. An introduction to GIS is also given. A survey was then conducted within PROPNET. The survey covered competitive advantage, the value chain, kinds of information systems in relation to the different groups served within an organization and GIS. The results of the research survey corresponded with views expressed in the literature. Results concluded that GIS is incorrectly positioned within PROPNET for it to be competitive and that it should be repositioned within the operational level of the organization and utilized as a transaction processing system. The repositioning will lead to competitive advantage over rivals. Literature also revealed that GIS can be found in all sectors of the value chain. A strategy is proposed to reposition GIS within PROPNET. Recommendations are made to guide the repositioning. The subject field is new and there is little literature on GIS positioning and competitive advantage. There are significant advantages to repositioning GIS within PROPNET.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Globalisation as a business strategy for South African architectural practices
- Authors: Vosloo, Christo
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Globalization , Architectural firms -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/234 , Globalization , Architectural firms -- South Africa
- Description: Globalisation has become a common topic of discussion and research. This treatise focuses on its role as part of the business of Architectural practice. It investigates the reasons why selected South African Architectural practices decided to globalise, how this decision was reached, implemented and how successful the decisions were. Based on the findings of a literature study it uses the case study methodology to confirm the findings that the strategic position of South African Architectural practices is one where practical and historical reasons exist for the profession to embark on a globalisation strategy. The studies confirm that a globalisation strategy presents a suitable, feasible and acceptable strategy for South African Architectural practices. However, a disconcerting element of the findings was the fact that there are strong indications that South African Architectural practices do not realise the potential benefits inherent in regular strategic planning. Thus it recommends that such a strategy should be based on specialist knowledge or experience, that opening an office in the area to which firms wish to expand will greatly enhance the chances of success, that formal strategic planning processes should be used to ensure that such a strategy is an appropriate one and to identify the countries to which the firm plans to expand its services. Furthermore, it recommends that Government should recognise that firms expanding in this manner hold specific advantages for the national economy and introduce steps to support the profession so that it may build the capacity and skills required therefore. In addition it recommends that the relevant professional bodies should ensure that their members have the business and managerial skills required to ensure the achievement of these objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Vosloo, Christo
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Globalization , Architectural firms -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/234 , Globalization , Architectural firms -- South Africa
- Description: Globalisation has become a common topic of discussion and research. This treatise focuses on its role as part of the business of Architectural practice. It investigates the reasons why selected South African Architectural practices decided to globalise, how this decision was reached, implemented and how successful the decisions were. Based on the findings of a literature study it uses the case study methodology to confirm the findings that the strategic position of South African Architectural practices is one where practical and historical reasons exist for the profession to embark on a globalisation strategy. The studies confirm that a globalisation strategy presents a suitable, feasible and acceptable strategy for South African Architectural practices. However, a disconcerting element of the findings was the fact that there are strong indications that South African Architectural practices do not realise the potential benefits inherent in regular strategic planning. Thus it recommends that such a strategy should be based on specialist knowledge or experience, that opening an office in the area to which firms wish to expand will greatly enhance the chances of success, that formal strategic planning processes should be used to ensure that such a strategy is an appropriate one and to identify the countries to which the firm plans to expand its services. Furthermore, it recommends that Government should recognise that firms expanding in this manner hold specific advantages for the national economy and introduce steps to support the profession so that it may build the capacity and skills required therefore. In addition it recommends that the relevant professional bodies should ensure that their members have the business and managerial skills required to ensure the achievement of these objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The development of turnaround strategies for the Calitzdorp Spa Tourism resort
- Authors: Holtzhausen, Beatrix
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Corporate turnarounds -- Management , Health resorts -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8541 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/225 , Corporate turnarounds -- Management , Health resorts -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Strategic planning
- Description: The objective of this study was to develop turnaround strategies for the Calitzdorp Spa Tourism Resort (herein after referred to as Calitzdorp Spa) to stop the performance decline and put it back on the road of recovery again. The development of turnaround strategies are dependent on establishing the cause of the performance decline and to enable management to plan effective and optimal strategies for the tourism resort focused on the recovery response. An analysis of various sources on strategic management models were undertaken to find a theoretical framework for the development of a strategic management model that could be applied to a tourism resort. The following model for the strategic management of a tourism resort was consequently developed and consists of the following main components: • Mission, objectives and stakeholders; • Strategic position; • Strategic choice; and • Strategic implementation. A second model for the Turnaround Process of a tourism resort was proposed to assist management in guiding the resort to recovery, consisting of two main phases, namely: • Turnaround situation; and the • Turnaround response. The research methodology followed included: • a literature survey to define the important concepts of tourism, resorts, strategic management and turnaround strategies; • a questionnaire survey to determine customer satisfaction at the Calitzdorp Spa; • telephone interviews to determine the marketing and positioning strategies of the Calitzdorp Spa; and • a focus group discussion session to determine the current situation at the resort and to plan future management strategies of the Calitzdorp Spa. Specific conclusions were made and specific actions recommended based on the results obtained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Holtzhausen, Beatrix
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Corporate turnarounds -- Management , Health resorts -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8541 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/225 , Corporate turnarounds -- Management , Health resorts -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Strategic planning
- Description: The objective of this study was to develop turnaround strategies for the Calitzdorp Spa Tourism Resort (herein after referred to as Calitzdorp Spa) to stop the performance decline and put it back on the road of recovery again. The development of turnaround strategies are dependent on establishing the cause of the performance decline and to enable management to plan effective and optimal strategies for the tourism resort focused on the recovery response. An analysis of various sources on strategic management models were undertaken to find a theoretical framework for the development of a strategic management model that could be applied to a tourism resort. The following model for the strategic management of a tourism resort was consequently developed and consists of the following main components: • Mission, objectives and stakeholders; • Strategic position; • Strategic choice; and • Strategic implementation. A second model for the Turnaround Process of a tourism resort was proposed to assist management in guiding the resort to recovery, consisting of two main phases, namely: • Turnaround situation; and the • Turnaround response. The research methodology followed included: • a literature survey to define the important concepts of tourism, resorts, strategic management and turnaround strategies; • a questionnaire survey to determine customer satisfaction at the Calitzdorp Spa; • telephone interviews to determine the marketing and positioning strategies of the Calitzdorp Spa; and • a focus group discussion session to determine the current situation at the resort and to plan future management strategies of the Calitzdorp Spa. Specific conclusions were made and specific actions recommended based on the results obtained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
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