The factors that hinder the overall equipment effectiveness at Ford Struandale Engine Plant
- Authors: Qweleka, Sazile
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Total productive maintenance -- South Africa , Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair -- Planning , Plant maintenance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1163 , Total productive maintenance -- South Africa , Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair -- Planning , Plant maintenance -- Management
- Description: This treatise investigates the underlying factors that are hindering the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness at the Ford Struandale Engine Plant. In January of 2008 the Ford Motor Company announced plans to invest more than R1.5 billion to expand operations for the production of Ford's next-generation compact pickup truck and the PUMA diesel engine. Ford will use the investment to expand operations both in Silverton for the production of 75 000 units of a new bakkie and in Port Elizabeth for 220 000 units of its new-generation PUMA diesel engines (http://www.autoblog.com /2008/01/31/ford-to-invest-209m-in-south-africa-for-new-ranger-pickup/). Only five Ford plants globally will be producing the PUMA engine (Turkey, UK, Thailand, Argentina and South Africa – Ford Struandale Engine Plant). The Ford Struandale Engine Plant will be the only plant which will have the I4 assembly, I5 assembly and 3C (Crank, Cylinder Block, and Cylinder Head) machining and the expectations of operating in a lean environment is high. The management team at the Ford Struandale Engine Plant needs to understand what the underlying factors that are hindering the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness of the plant or, in other words, they need to be informed of the total benefits of TPM. A literature review was conducted to determine what the theory reveals about Overall Equipment Effectiveness, the three factors of OEE (Availability, Performance Efficiency, and Quality), the influence of Six Big Losses on each of the factors and the role of Total Productive Maintenance in improving OEE by eliminating these Six Big Losses. A Ford literature study was conducted to reveal the current literature being applied at Ford. This was then followed by an empirical survey conducted within the Ford Struandale Engine Plant. In addition, a task team formed to analyse the current maintenance operating strategy. Finally, the findings from discussions with the task team, the empirical survey, Ford Struandale Engine Plant literature survey and a general literature survey were amalgamated to draw conclusions relating to the Ford Struandale Engine Plant. These conclusions indicate what the underlying factors are that are hindering the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness of the Ford Struandale Engine Plant facilities and equipment. Then recommendations are made as to how the Ford Struandale Engine Plant can improve the Overall Equipment Effectiveness of its facilities and equipment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Qweleka, Sazile
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Total productive maintenance -- South Africa , Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair -- Planning , Plant maintenance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1163 , Total productive maintenance -- South Africa , Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair -- Planning , Plant maintenance -- Management
- Description: This treatise investigates the underlying factors that are hindering the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness at the Ford Struandale Engine Plant. In January of 2008 the Ford Motor Company announced plans to invest more than R1.5 billion to expand operations for the production of Ford's next-generation compact pickup truck and the PUMA diesel engine. Ford will use the investment to expand operations both in Silverton for the production of 75 000 units of a new bakkie and in Port Elizabeth for 220 000 units of its new-generation PUMA diesel engines (http://www.autoblog.com /2008/01/31/ford-to-invest-209m-in-south-africa-for-new-ranger-pickup/). Only five Ford plants globally will be producing the PUMA engine (Turkey, UK, Thailand, Argentina and South Africa – Ford Struandale Engine Plant). The Ford Struandale Engine Plant will be the only plant which will have the I4 assembly, I5 assembly and 3C (Crank, Cylinder Block, and Cylinder Head) machining and the expectations of operating in a lean environment is high. The management team at the Ford Struandale Engine Plant needs to understand what the underlying factors that are hindering the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness of the plant or, in other words, they need to be informed of the total benefits of TPM. A literature review was conducted to determine what the theory reveals about Overall Equipment Effectiveness, the three factors of OEE (Availability, Performance Efficiency, and Quality), the influence of Six Big Losses on each of the factors and the role of Total Productive Maintenance in improving OEE by eliminating these Six Big Losses. A Ford literature study was conducted to reveal the current literature being applied at Ford. This was then followed by an empirical survey conducted within the Ford Struandale Engine Plant. In addition, a task team formed to analyse the current maintenance operating strategy. Finally, the findings from discussions with the task team, the empirical survey, Ford Struandale Engine Plant literature survey and a general literature survey were amalgamated to draw conclusions relating to the Ford Struandale Engine Plant. These conclusions indicate what the underlying factors are that are hindering the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness of the Ford Struandale Engine Plant facilities and equipment. Then recommendations are made as to how the Ford Struandale Engine Plant can improve the Overall Equipment Effectiveness of its facilities and equipment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The feasibility of starting a dating company in South Africa
- Bezuidenhout, Jacques Du Mont
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Jacques Du Mont
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Online dating -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8686 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1114 , Online dating -- South Africa
- Description: The purpose of the research is to determine the feasibility of starting a dating company, which focuses specifically on the South African market. Further sub problems were defined as follow: • Which South Africans would use a dating service, that is, who will be the main customers? • Is there specifically identifiable information that can help to recognise customers? Or can a profile be created for to identify customers? • How much are the customers willing to pay? • Does or can technology play a role in in courtship? The role of technology was investigated, in which it was found that globalisation affects everyone. One of the core factors that caused many other technologies to evolve from it, is the Internet. The intranet was a natural evolution from the Internet, which is normally specific to a company. A further literature survey was conducted to gain an understanding of dating companies globally and locally, to gain an understanding of the subject, which was used to create a questionnaire. The questionnaire reached a 120 participants, with 52 participants responding, which relates to a response rate of 43.3 percent. The questionnaire produces 37 variables, which were correlated, and as a result it was recommended that it is feasible to start a dating company in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Jacques Du Mont
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Online dating -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8686 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1114 , Online dating -- South Africa
- Description: The purpose of the research is to determine the feasibility of starting a dating company, which focuses specifically on the South African market. Further sub problems were defined as follow: • Which South Africans would use a dating service, that is, who will be the main customers? • Is there specifically identifiable information that can help to recognise customers? Or can a profile be created for to identify customers? • How much are the customers willing to pay? • Does or can technology play a role in in courtship? The role of technology was investigated, in which it was found that globalisation affects everyone. One of the core factors that caused many other technologies to evolve from it, is the Internet. The intranet was a natural evolution from the Internet, which is normally specific to a company. A further literature survey was conducted to gain an understanding of dating companies globally and locally, to gain an understanding of the subject, which was used to create a questionnaire. The questionnaire reached a 120 participants, with 52 participants responding, which relates to a response rate of 43.3 percent. The questionnaire produces 37 variables, which were correlated, and as a result it was recommended that it is feasible to start a dating company in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The impact of employee engagement on the business success of Johnson controls Uitenhage
- Authors: Muller, Roger Joseph
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Employee motivation -- South Africa , Organizational commitment -- South Africa , Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa , Employee loyalty -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8681 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1137 , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Organizational commitment -- South Africa , Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa , Employee loyalty -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences, outcomes and degree of employee engagement, as it relates to business success of Johnson Controls. The research was conducted by questionnaire using a sample of 120 employees of Johnson Controls Uitenhage Plant. The sample represents 45 percent of the total population of 267 employees. The study discusses certain key influences of engagement - the degree to which employees are engaged and the resultant outcomes of employee engagement. The result of the study proves that communication, leadership behaviours, policies, practices, recognition and rewards are real factors influencing engagement. The study also validated that productivity, safety, customer satisfaction, employee retention and quality are outcomes of engagement. A strong relationship was found to exist between employee engagement and business success. The study also found that a strong relationship exist between leadership behaviours, policies and procedures, and recognition and rewards. Communication was found to have no relationship with employee engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Muller, Roger Joseph
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Employee motivation -- South Africa , Organizational commitment -- South Africa , Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa , Employee loyalty -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8681 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1137 , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Organizational commitment -- South Africa , Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa , Employee loyalty -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences, outcomes and degree of employee engagement, as it relates to business success of Johnson Controls. The research was conducted by questionnaire using a sample of 120 employees of Johnson Controls Uitenhage Plant. The sample represents 45 percent of the total population of 267 employees. The study discusses certain key influences of engagement - the degree to which employees are engaged and the resultant outcomes of employee engagement. The result of the study proves that communication, leadership behaviours, policies, practices, recognition and rewards are real factors influencing engagement. The study also validated that productivity, safety, customer satisfaction, employee retention and quality are outcomes of engagement. A strong relationship was found to exist between employee engagement and business success. The study also found that a strong relationship exist between leadership behaviours, policies and procedures, and recognition and rewards. Communication was found to have no relationship with employee engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The impact of retirement planning and education on retiree's UFE satisfaction
- Authors: Prinsloo, Harold
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Retirement -- South Africa , Retirement -- South Africa -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8674 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1162 , Retirement -- South Africa , Retirement -- South Africa -- Planning
- Description: Employees who plan for retirement can contribute meaningfully towards building a sustained quality of life during retirement. The lack of pre-retirement planning and education, however, “weakens” an individual’s life satisfaction. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the impact retirement planning and education has on retiree’s UFE satisfaction and to determine overall individual quality of life. This research firstly discusses retirement, or the prospect of giving up work. The research study points to the fact that an overwhelming amount of research shows that retirement, as a social phenomenon cannot be understood except in the context of work, because the meaning of retirement is largely an outgrowth of the meaning of work. The study further suggests that the transition from work to retirement can be eased through planning. Beginning to plan for retirement several years before retirement is anticipated is helpful. The study points to quality of life as a multi-dimensional concept that refers to an individual’s overall life satisfaction and total well-being. The findings discussed in Chapter Five indicate a reasonable level of retirement planning and education amongst retiree’s who participated in the survey. Recommendations from the study indicated a need for individual counseling during retirement planning and education workshops.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Prinsloo, Harold
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Retirement -- South Africa , Retirement -- South Africa -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8674 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1162 , Retirement -- South Africa , Retirement -- South Africa -- Planning
- Description: Employees who plan for retirement can contribute meaningfully towards building a sustained quality of life during retirement. The lack of pre-retirement planning and education, however, “weakens” an individual’s life satisfaction. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the impact retirement planning and education has on retiree’s UFE satisfaction and to determine overall individual quality of life. This research firstly discusses retirement, or the prospect of giving up work. The research study points to the fact that an overwhelming amount of research shows that retirement, as a social phenomenon cannot be understood except in the context of work, because the meaning of retirement is largely an outgrowth of the meaning of work. The study further suggests that the transition from work to retirement can be eased through planning. Beginning to plan for retirement several years before retirement is anticipated is helpful. The study points to quality of life as a multi-dimensional concept that refers to an individual’s overall life satisfaction and total well-being. The findings discussed in Chapter Five indicate a reasonable level of retirement planning and education amongst retiree’s who participated in the survey. Recommendations from the study indicated a need for individual counseling during retirement planning and education workshops.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The impact of service quality perceptions on the service delivery of a financial aid office at a metropolitan university
- Authors: Gallant, Brian
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Student aid -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Finance , Student loans -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8711 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/955 , Student aid -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Finance , Student loans -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Greater access to education for many South Africans is inextricably linked to the development of the country and its collective ability to deal with the many socio– economic challenges it presently faces. The availability of financial aid at Higher Education Institutions to support financially needy and academically deserving students as part of a comprehensive programme to address the need for skills development, socio–economic backlogs and imbalances that exist in the country is supported by various Government Departments, private donors and Higher Education Institutions. Financial Aid Offices responsible for the distribution of both public and private donor funding, face various challenges at South African universities in their endeavours to render quality service and prompt service delivery to their clients, the students who are the recipients of this funding. The present study attempts to identify the most important service quality dimensions relevant to effective and efficient service delivery in the Financial Aid Office at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Furthermore, this study aims to assess the performance of the Financial Aid Office to provide possible recommendations with a view to improving service delivery at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Against this background, the primary objective of this study is to measure financial aid students’ perceptions of service quality with a Financial Aid Office at a Higher Education Institution and estimate the effect these perceptions have on service delivery. All bursary and loan awardees from 2008, that is, only students who were successful in their financial aid applications for 2008, were invited to collect and complete a questionnaire at the Financial Aid Office at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. v The measuring instrument used was a self-administered, structured questionnaire divided into two sections. Section A measured service quality perceptions of the Financial Aid Office of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Section B measured personal data of the respondents. A total of 500 questionnaires was distributed of which 228 were returned, yielding a final sample of 204 that could be statistically analysed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the empirical results. Overall, the results show that respondents were, by and large, satisfied with the service rendered by the Financial Aid Office at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Thus, perceptions of the five service quality dimensions measured in this study were favourable, implying that respondents did not have any major problems with the present service offering of the Financial Aid Office. It is important to note that while these results indicate favourable perceptions of service quality of the Financial Aid office at one point in time, they will not necessarily be permanent. The Financial Aid Office must therefore ensure that it continues to build on this valuable strength. Specifically, the Financial Aid Office should continue delivering this level of quality of service and concentrate on improving the service quality of the items in the questionnaire with the lowest mean scores. Service quality is an important construct and needs to be assessed in Financial Aid Offices to ensure the desired outcome of producing more graduates, especially from financially needy and academically deserving backgrounds. Students, as customers, deserve the best service, as they would expect from any other service provider such as a bank or a supermarket. The strengths of this Financial Aid Office can serve to assist other universities in providing a positive student experience through the delivery of a quality service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Gallant, Brian
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Student aid -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Finance , Student loans -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8711 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/955 , Student aid -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Finance , Student loans -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Greater access to education for many South Africans is inextricably linked to the development of the country and its collective ability to deal with the many socio– economic challenges it presently faces. The availability of financial aid at Higher Education Institutions to support financially needy and academically deserving students as part of a comprehensive programme to address the need for skills development, socio–economic backlogs and imbalances that exist in the country is supported by various Government Departments, private donors and Higher Education Institutions. Financial Aid Offices responsible for the distribution of both public and private donor funding, face various challenges at South African universities in their endeavours to render quality service and prompt service delivery to their clients, the students who are the recipients of this funding. The present study attempts to identify the most important service quality dimensions relevant to effective and efficient service delivery in the Financial Aid Office at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Furthermore, this study aims to assess the performance of the Financial Aid Office to provide possible recommendations with a view to improving service delivery at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Against this background, the primary objective of this study is to measure financial aid students’ perceptions of service quality with a Financial Aid Office at a Higher Education Institution and estimate the effect these perceptions have on service delivery. All bursary and loan awardees from 2008, that is, only students who were successful in their financial aid applications for 2008, were invited to collect and complete a questionnaire at the Financial Aid Office at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. v The measuring instrument used was a self-administered, structured questionnaire divided into two sections. Section A measured service quality perceptions of the Financial Aid Office of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Section B measured personal data of the respondents. A total of 500 questionnaires was distributed of which 228 were returned, yielding a final sample of 204 that could be statistically analysed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the empirical results. Overall, the results show that respondents were, by and large, satisfied with the service rendered by the Financial Aid Office at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Thus, perceptions of the five service quality dimensions measured in this study were favourable, implying that respondents did not have any major problems with the present service offering of the Financial Aid Office. It is important to note that while these results indicate favourable perceptions of service quality of the Financial Aid office at one point in time, they will not necessarily be permanent. The Financial Aid Office must therefore ensure that it continues to build on this valuable strength. Specifically, the Financial Aid Office should continue delivering this level of quality of service and concentrate on improving the service quality of the items in the questionnaire with the lowest mean scores. Service quality is an important construct and needs to be assessed in Financial Aid Offices to ensure the desired outcome of producing more graduates, especially from financially needy and academically deserving backgrounds. Students, as customers, deserve the best service, as they would expect from any other service provider such as a bank or a supermarket. The strengths of this Financial Aid Office can serve to assist other universities in providing a positive student experience through the delivery of a quality service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The impact of shiftwork on productivity
- Authors: Njela, Clive Jonathan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Shift systems , Labor productivity , Shift systems -- Psychological aspects , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8661 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1299 , Shift systems , Labor productivity , Shift systems -- Psychological aspects , Job satisfaction
- Description: Shiftwork is common in the private sector but not exclusive from the public sector like nursing. In order to secure a continuous operation, and optimization of equipment, businesses introduced shiftwork. The author wanted to test certain hypotheses to better understand the impact of shiftwork. In this research the author first embarked on a theoretical study into shiftwork and its associated problems, which include the impact on productivity, the impact on the employer’s attitude towards the work, the impact on the family life, the impact on social life, the impact on physical health and the psychological effects. Thereafter, an empirical study was conducted to ascertain to what extend shiftwork affects productivity and the life of the employees. The data was then analysed to explain the impact of shiftwork and productivity. Lastly, recommendations were made based on the research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Njela, Clive Jonathan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Shift systems , Labor productivity , Shift systems -- Psychological aspects , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8661 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1299 , Shift systems , Labor productivity , Shift systems -- Psychological aspects , Job satisfaction
- Description: Shiftwork is common in the private sector but not exclusive from the public sector like nursing. In order to secure a continuous operation, and optimization of equipment, businesses introduced shiftwork. The author wanted to test certain hypotheses to better understand the impact of shiftwork. In this research the author first embarked on a theoretical study into shiftwork and its associated problems, which include the impact on productivity, the impact on the employer’s attitude towards the work, the impact on the family life, the impact on social life, the impact on physical health and the psychological effects. Thereafter, an empirical study was conducted to ascertain to what extend shiftwork affects productivity and the life of the employees. The data was then analysed to explain the impact of shiftwork and productivity. Lastly, recommendations were made based on the research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The influence of the electricity distribution restructuring on the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Bukula, Mvuleni Joseph
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Electric power distribution -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Electric power distribution -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Electric power distribution -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/928 , Electric power distribution -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Electric power distribution -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Electric power distribution -- South Africa
- Description: The objective of this research is to assess the impact to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality due to ongoing Electricity Distribution Industry Restructuring in South Africa as directed by the Electricity Distribution Industry Holdings on behalf of the Department of Minerals and Energy’s adopted Electricity Distribution Blue Print Report of 2001. Literature review of scholarly literature was conducted on privatisation of public utilities that offered an international perspective on experiences of other countries that has undergone similar experiences of restructuring of public assets, the state of Electricity Supply Industry in South Africa with the demonstration of structural financial and physical flows and historical background of the restructuring, proposed future model and strategic plans to achieve the future goals. Research methodology and design was done through combination of the four-research types classification in their order of sophistication except the predictive research, namely exploratory, descriptive, and analytical or explanatory researches with a further inclusion of deductive research. The compilation of data through questionnaires was also employed. Perceptions on internal impact to the NMBM due to electricity services restructuring were solicited from the sample of the top management of the NMBM, the intention was to ensure the economies of scale, greater transparency and competition in terms of service delivery were sustained during and beyond Regional Electricity Distributor establishment. Financial position of NMBM as a critical instrument for its progress has to be protected to ensure it fulfils its constitutional development mandate. The findings of the research were in strong support of ensuring operational financial viability; to meet the legitimate employment, economic and social interest of all employees; development and implementation of change management strategies; and NMBM assuming leading role in the process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Bukula, Mvuleni Joseph
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Electric power distribution -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Electric power distribution -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Electric power distribution -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/928 , Electric power distribution -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Electric power distribution -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Electric power distribution -- South Africa
- Description: The objective of this research is to assess the impact to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality due to ongoing Electricity Distribution Industry Restructuring in South Africa as directed by the Electricity Distribution Industry Holdings on behalf of the Department of Minerals and Energy’s adopted Electricity Distribution Blue Print Report of 2001. Literature review of scholarly literature was conducted on privatisation of public utilities that offered an international perspective on experiences of other countries that has undergone similar experiences of restructuring of public assets, the state of Electricity Supply Industry in South Africa with the demonstration of structural financial and physical flows and historical background of the restructuring, proposed future model and strategic plans to achieve the future goals. Research methodology and design was done through combination of the four-research types classification in their order of sophistication except the predictive research, namely exploratory, descriptive, and analytical or explanatory researches with a further inclusion of deductive research. The compilation of data through questionnaires was also employed. Perceptions on internal impact to the NMBM due to electricity services restructuring were solicited from the sample of the top management of the NMBM, the intention was to ensure the economies of scale, greater transparency and competition in terms of service delivery were sustained during and beyond Regional Electricity Distributor establishment. Financial position of NMBM as a critical instrument for its progress has to be protected to ensure it fulfils its constitutional development mandate. The findings of the research were in strong support of ensuring operational financial viability; to meet the legitimate employment, economic and social interest of all employees; development and implementation of change management strategies; and NMBM assuming leading role in the process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The role of belief systems in entrepreneurship : a Christian perspective
- Authors: Boshoff, Leslie Ian
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Business -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Success in business , Belief and doubt
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8664 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1271 , Business -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Success in business , Belief and doubt
- Description: The world needs entrepreneurs now more than ever; fresh thinkers, who spot opportunities and apply their talents to overcome obstacles to make their ideas happen. Entrepreneurs need to reframe the recession as an area of business opportunity for all. They must unleash their innovative ideas around the world and inspire solutions that will tackle issues ranging from poverty, unemployment and climatic change. It is the fundamental precept of the Christian faith that God calls not only ministers and other spiritual workers, but everyone to specific roles in his kingdom. Christian Entrepreneurs must realise that their calling to establish and lead business organisations that are designed to achieve results in the secular world. Christian Entrepreneur Organisations differ from secular businesses because they do business while being led by the Holy Spirit. Christian Entrepreneurship is the return of unfulfilled business leaders to the sense of "calling" enjoyed by fellow laity in the U.S.A. and Western Europe prior to the 20th Century. The goal is to develop a business that blends business excellence and entrepreneurship with Christian Biblical and theological perspectives. This exploratory study investigated the role of the Christian faith in Entrepreneurship and in Entrepreneurial businesses. The study identified some of the Christian business practices and introduced the reader to the different approaches this group of entrepreneurs have to that of the secular business equivalent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Boshoff, Leslie Ian
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Business -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Success in business , Belief and doubt
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8664 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1271 , Business -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Success in business , Belief and doubt
- Description: The world needs entrepreneurs now more than ever; fresh thinkers, who spot opportunities and apply their talents to overcome obstacles to make their ideas happen. Entrepreneurs need to reframe the recession as an area of business opportunity for all. They must unleash their innovative ideas around the world and inspire solutions that will tackle issues ranging from poverty, unemployment and climatic change. It is the fundamental precept of the Christian faith that God calls not only ministers and other spiritual workers, but everyone to specific roles in his kingdom. Christian Entrepreneurs must realise that their calling to establish and lead business organisations that are designed to achieve results in the secular world. Christian Entrepreneur Organisations differ from secular businesses because they do business while being led by the Holy Spirit. Christian Entrepreneurship is the return of unfulfilled business leaders to the sense of "calling" enjoyed by fellow laity in the U.S.A. and Western Europe prior to the 20th Century. The goal is to develop a business that blends business excellence and entrepreneurship with Christian Biblical and theological perspectives. This exploratory study investigated the role of the Christian faith in Entrepreneurship and in Entrepreneurial businesses. The study identified some of the Christian business practices and introduced the reader to the different approaches this group of entrepreneurs have to that of the secular business equivalent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The role of performance management in the motivation of employees : a case study
- Authors: Zwane, Themba Lambert
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Performance standards -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8595 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1090 , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Performance standards -- South Africa
- Description: After a review of the literature relevant to performance management systems both over time and across different types of organizations, this thesis confines its research To a case study of the Role of Performance Management in The Motivation of Employees in an organization. Important insight was gained into the relative importance of the performance management practices to promote desired employee outcomes. In view thereof that a discussion of performance in organizations is incomplete without reference to the construct of organizational culture, this study also provided propositions to prompt further research on the role of performance management in reinforcing a high performance organizational culture. Insightful conclusions were drawn from the results obtained and recommendations are made for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Zwane, Themba Lambert
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Performance standards -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8595 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1090 , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Performance standards -- South Africa
- Description: After a review of the literature relevant to performance management systems both over time and across different types of organizations, this thesis confines its research To a case study of the Role of Performance Management in The Motivation of Employees in an organization. Important insight was gained into the relative importance of the performance management practices to promote desired employee outcomes. In view thereof that a discussion of performance in organizations is incomplete without reference to the construct of organizational culture, this study also provided propositions to prompt further research on the role of performance management in reinforcing a high performance organizational culture. Insightful conclusions were drawn from the results obtained and recommendations are made for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The role of strategic supply chain management in liquor retail
- Authors: Oppong, George
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa , Physical distribution of goods -- Management , Retail trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8723 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/895 , Business logistics -- South Africa , Physical distribution of goods -- Management , Retail trade -- South Africa
- Description: The underlying objective of this research was to assess the extent to which an efficient supply chain can help retail businesses; particularly liquor businesses to manage their business risks. The case study firm for the research was Big Daddy’s Group, one of the leading independent liquor distribution and retailing firms in South Africa. In order to achieve the objective of the research, a review of relevant literature was done. It began with literature review of retailing in general, highlighting on the major roles they play and the modern trends in the industry. Afterwards the literature was narrowed down to liquor retailing. This was done to ascertain the unique characteristics of that aspect of retailing including the regulations guiding the industry and the specific business risks in that business. The final part of the literature review was on specific concepts and management models such as value chain, supply chain as well as business risk and its management. The literature highlighted the means by which the retailer creates value for the customer and the inherent risks in the industry. There was the indication of supply chain being a key component of the value creating activities (value chain) of the business, and serving as a tool in mitigating possible risks. The literature provided the theoretical proposition (hypothesis) for the assessment of the case study findings from the Big Daddy’s Group. The data collection exercise was done by means of a questionnaire complimented by personal interview. Due to the nature of the firm, in terms of structure and operations, two persons, with considerable insight into the business, the director and the sales/area manager were interviewed for the exercise. The questions posed were categorised into seven key areas of retail operations such as product range, imports, customer awareness, marketing and advertising, supply chain and human resource. The findings were compared with the theoretical propositions developed in the literature review, and the pattern matching logic technique was used to determine the existence or not of any similar predictions or differences. The risks identified in the findings were analysed with the logic of an efficient supply chain as the mitigating tool. The conclusion was that supply chain management is key to the value creation activities and hence the survival of the business. The recommendation therefore is that the retailer should ensure the efficient management of the supply chain network since it has the potential to reduce the inherent risks in their operations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Oppong, George
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa , Physical distribution of goods -- Management , Retail trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8723 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/895 , Business logistics -- South Africa , Physical distribution of goods -- Management , Retail trade -- South Africa
- Description: The underlying objective of this research was to assess the extent to which an efficient supply chain can help retail businesses; particularly liquor businesses to manage their business risks. The case study firm for the research was Big Daddy’s Group, one of the leading independent liquor distribution and retailing firms in South Africa. In order to achieve the objective of the research, a review of relevant literature was done. It began with literature review of retailing in general, highlighting on the major roles they play and the modern trends in the industry. Afterwards the literature was narrowed down to liquor retailing. This was done to ascertain the unique characteristics of that aspect of retailing including the regulations guiding the industry and the specific business risks in that business. The final part of the literature review was on specific concepts and management models such as value chain, supply chain as well as business risk and its management. The literature highlighted the means by which the retailer creates value for the customer and the inherent risks in the industry. There was the indication of supply chain being a key component of the value creating activities (value chain) of the business, and serving as a tool in mitigating possible risks. The literature provided the theoretical proposition (hypothesis) for the assessment of the case study findings from the Big Daddy’s Group. The data collection exercise was done by means of a questionnaire complimented by personal interview. Due to the nature of the firm, in terms of structure and operations, two persons, with considerable insight into the business, the director and the sales/area manager were interviewed for the exercise. The questions posed were categorised into seven key areas of retail operations such as product range, imports, customer awareness, marketing and advertising, supply chain and human resource. The findings were compared with the theoretical propositions developed in the literature review, and the pattern matching logic technique was used to determine the existence or not of any similar predictions or differences. The risks identified in the findings were analysed with the logic of an efficient supply chain as the mitigating tool. The conclusion was that supply chain management is key to the value creation activities and hence the survival of the business. The recommendation therefore is that the retailer should ensure the efficient management of the supply chain network since it has the potential to reduce the inherent risks in their operations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The study of the (FCUBE) capitation grant and the school feeding programmes/schemes : a case study of the Ashiedu Keteke sub-metro in the greater Accra Region of Ghana
- Authors: Mohammed, Fuseina Mama
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Food relief -- Ghana , School children -- Food -- Ghana , Children -- Nutrition -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8583 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1195 , Food relief -- Ghana , School children -- Food -- Ghana , Children -- Nutrition -- Ghana
- Description: The study focused on the impacts and challenges associated with the introduction of FCUBE with particular emphasis on the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programmes in the Ashiedu Keteke Sub-Metro of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Data was collected from Six Basic Schools in the Sub- Metro under Circuits 12 and 13. This study found out from the participants that the introduction of these policy options even though has improved enrolment and the quality of education is faced with a lot of obstacles and challenges such as access to school, shortage of teachers, economic and social cultural practices etc. It seems evident from the analysis in this study and observations that despite the achievements of government, there still are a number of children out of school in Ghana and being denied the right to education and therefore the goals of universal access to primary quality education cannot be achieved through the linear expansion of existing public schools system alone. One limitation was that the sample was quite small due to limited time and resources. The study contributes to the understanding of what the various education policies say and what really happens on the ground. It provides a foundation for further studies on a more extensive scale so as to get a broader picture of what the education sector really experience, as well providing guidance for the ministry to take actions that make it more friendly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mohammed, Fuseina Mama
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Food relief -- Ghana , School children -- Food -- Ghana , Children -- Nutrition -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8583 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1195 , Food relief -- Ghana , School children -- Food -- Ghana , Children -- Nutrition -- Ghana
- Description: The study focused on the impacts and challenges associated with the introduction of FCUBE with particular emphasis on the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programmes in the Ashiedu Keteke Sub-Metro of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Data was collected from Six Basic Schools in the Sub- Metro under Circuits 12 and 13. This study found out from the participants that the introduction of these policy options even though has improved enrolment and the quality of education is faced with a lot of obstacles and challenges such as access to school, shortage of teachers, economic and social cultural practices etc. It seems evident from the analysis in this study and observations that despite the achievements of government, there still are a number of children out of school in Ghana and being denied the right to education and therefore the goals of universal access to primary quality education cannot be achieved through the linear expansion of existing public schools system alone. One limitation was that the sample was quite small due to limited time and resources. The study contributes to the understanding of what the various education policies say and what really happens on the ground. It provides a foundation for further studies on a more extensive scale so as to get a broader picture of what the education sector really experience, as well providing guidance for the ministry to take actions that make it more friendly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The value of measuring brand equity: the Ceres Fruit Juices case
- Authors: Khumalo, Wilson Mdala
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Brand name products -- Management -- Case studies , Branding (Marketing) , Customer relations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/995 , Brand name products -- Management -- Case studies , Branding (Marketing) , Customer relations -- Management
- Description: Measuring brand equity is an important brand management function but, the appropriateness of brand equity measurement methods remain a concern. This study applied levels three of brand equity measurement approach to have an understanding of consumers’ brand perception. It is hoped that this understanding could give brand managers the necessary tool to develop and deploy effective and efficient brand management strategies and tactics. At Ceres Fruit Juices (CFJ), brand equity is used to improve competitive marketing actions, gain larger margins, intermediary co-operation and management support for brand extension. This study measures CFJ Brand equity to understand consumers’ perception so that this understanding can be used to develop responsive brand management strategies and tactics. Brand equity measurement methods and model found in the literature shows that measurement success depends on the suitability of the method used. However, customers’ perception is at the centre of brand equity measurement approach – level three used in this study. With merger and acquisition taking place at Ceres Fruit Juices, brand equity measurement emerged as an important brand management function to leverage real brand value. This would inevitably lead to an improvement in customer service through adequate understanding of customers brand perception. Understanding gives brand managers the necessary tool to deploy responsive and efficient brand management strategies and tactics to lessen the severity of the negative impact merger and acquisition may have on brand equity. Thus, this study found measurement model and method to be an essential element of brand equity measurement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Khumalo, Wilson Mdala
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Brand name products -- Management -- Case studies , Branding (Marketing) , Customer relations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/995 , Brand name products -- Management -- Case studies , Branding (Marketing) , Customer relations -- Management
- Description: Measuring brand equity is an important brand management function but, the appropriateness of brand equity measurement methods remain a concern. This study applied levels three of brand equity measurement approach to have an understanding of consumers’ brand perception. It is hoped that this understanding could give brand managers the necessary tool to develop and deploy effective and efficient brand management strategies and tactics. At Ceres Fruit Juices (CFJ), brand equity is used to improve competitive marketing actions, gain larger margins, intermediary co-operation and management support for brand extension. This study measures CFJ Brand equity to understand consumers’ perception so that this understanding can be used to develop responsive brand management strategies and tactics. Brand equity measurement methods and model found in the literature shows that measurement success depends on the suitability of the method used. However, customers’ perception is at the centre of brand equity measurement approach – level three used in this study. With merger and acquisition taking place at Ceres Fruit Juices, brand equity measurement emerged as an important brand management function to leverage real brand value. This would inevitably lead to an improvement in customer service through adequate understanding of customers brand perception. Understanding gives brand managers the necessary tool to deploy responsive and efficient brand management strategies and tactics to lessen the severity of the negative impact merger and acquisition may have on brand equity. Thus, this study found measurement model and method to be an essential element of brand equity measurement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009