A business process management framework for enhancing enterprise resource planning value derived in supply chain optimization
- Authors: Sahdeo, Viresh
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Reengineering (Management) , Workflow -- Management Performance -- Management Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34833 , vital:33459
- Description: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems easily diffuse knowledge and allow good business decisions for Information System (IS) technological and organizational advancement. This research is an investigation of how to improve the strategic management and operational efficiency of Enterprise Information Systems (EIS). A Business Process Management (BPM) framework was designed to integrate varying perspectives of organizational activities for wider collaboration and value derivation. The systematic methodology of Business process management (BPM) enables corporates to be more effective and efficient through continual process improvement. Elements used to build the BPM framework explain how to successfully derive value, inclusive of the performance indicators to measure outcomes. The model was tested with questionnaire data collected from corporates operating in the Southern African region and further refined based on Cronbach alpha reliability tests. The findings improve the interpretation of the determinants for the success of BPM and ERP IS from the user’s perspective. The results show that continuous improvement efforts and organisational support have positive influence on performance and validate the importance of quality, service, information, integration and workflow dependencies. Originality/value – This research extends prior work of BPM frameworks to follow up on customer orientation and servitization. Studies have not investigated relationship commitment between IT and operational business units. The relationship and interdependence of organisational functions is essential for Supply Chain value creation. Industrialization and information technology(IT) integration faces new opportunities. The agility of IT is further explored more into efforts of collaboration, structure, and innovation for future changes, emerging technologies and practices envisioned. This research seeks to propose a framework for the future development of smart supply chain, which can provide theory and case for intelligent operational activities with key technologies, such as RFID, Neural Networks, machine learning and artificial intelligence(AI).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sahdeo, Viresh
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Reengineering (Management) , Workflow -- Management Performance -- Management Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34833 , vital:33459
- Description: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems easily diffuse knowledge and allow good business decisions for Information System (IS) technological and organizational advancement. This research is an investigation of how to improve the strategic management and operational efficiency of Enterprise Information Systems (EIS). A Business Process Management (BPM) framework was designed to integrate varying perspectives of organizational activities for wider collaboration and value derivation. The systematic methodology of Business process management (BPM) enables corporates to be more effective and efficient through continual process improvement. Elements used to build the BPM framework explain how to successfully derive value, inclusive of the performance indicators to measure outcomes. The model was tested with questionnaire data collected from corporates operating in the Southern African region and further refined based on Cronbach alpha reliability tests. The findings improve the interpretation of the determinants for the success of BPM and ERP IS from the user’s perspective. The results show that continuous improvement efforts and organisational support have positive influence on performance and validate the importance of quality, service, information, integration and workflow dependencies. Originality/value – This research extends prior work of BPM frameworks to follow up on customer orientation and servitization. Studies have not investigated relationship commitment between IT and operational business units. The relationship and interdependence of organisational functions is essential for Supply Chain value creation. Industrialization and information technology(IT) integration faces new opportunities. The agility of IT is further explored more into efforts of collaboration, structure, and innovation for future changes, emerging technologies and practices envisioned. This research seeks to propose a framework for the future development of smart supply chain, which can provide theory and case for intelligent operational activities with key technologies, such as RFID, Neural Networks, machine learning and artificial intelligence(AI).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical analysis of the service quality dimensions of a mobile telecommunication service provider
- Authors: Crous, Pierre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction Telecommunication -- Customer services Cell phone services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21571 , vital:29582
- Description: In the current age, companies are redesigning the way they perform daily operations based on the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Industry 4.0 will lead to the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and mobilisation into the daily operations of companies across various industries which stay connected to guidance software by means of 3G or 4G SIM cards. This increasing demand for mobilisation and communication technologies has encouraged more interest from investors to invest in the Mobile Telecommunication Industry (MTI). The aforementioned leads to heightened competition among Mobile Telecommunication Service Providers (MTSP), already competing in a fiercely contested market. For service providers to guarantee success in such a highly competitive market, companies should endeavour to provide superior quality and customer-centric services to retain and attract customers. Service providers that provide their customers with quality experiences gain a competitive advantage over rival firms and enjoy increased financial returns. Thus, companies measure their service quality (SQ) continuously to understand what consumers need and want as well as to ascertain how customers perceive the quality of service provision of the organisation. Therefore, this research study introduces and discusses various SQ measurement instruments and dimensions that may be relevant for a MTSP to consider when measuring SQ. This study further provides a broad overview of the latest techniques and best practices that popular service providers have applied globally, to enhance their SQ measurement In order to facilitate the SQ measurement process, researchers have designed different instruments, tailored for measuring SQ in various particular industries, by identifying and incorporating relevant industry-specific SQ dimensions. This enables the measurement of the customer perceived performance of each individual dimension for a particular service provided in a specific industry. In order to initiate a SQ measurement project, companies employ a variety of techniques to collect data. In this research study, the SQ data collection technique and resultant data set of a South African Mobile Telecommunication Service Provider (SAMTSP) were analysed to evaluate present service quality processes and provide guidelines to a SAMTSP on improved processes to implement to determine its service quality levels. Eight independent variables were identified from the quantitative data in the service quality data set provided by a SAMTSP for the purposes of this study. The dependent variable was identified as Performance which served as the unit of measurement for the independent variables. The qualitative data analysis applied to the qualitative data in the provided data set, revealed three Attitudes (key patterns) namely Positive, Neutral and Negative. Moreover, 14 themes were extracted from these Attitudes and which provide deeper insight into customer sentiments with regards to the overall performance of a SAMTSP. The results indicated that the SAMTSP may not have targeted the necessary SQ dimensions. It was also found that the data collection technique employed by the SAMTSP to create the SQ data set had certain limitations that might have negatively impacted upon the relevance and quality of the SQ data collected. The findings further suggest that the MTSP could follow a better SQ measurement process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical analysis of the service quality dimensions of a mobile telecommunication service provider
- Authors: Crous, Pierre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction Telecommunication -- Customer services Cell phone services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21571 , vital:29582
- Description: In the current age, companies are redesigning the way they perform daily operations based on the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Industry 4.0 will lead to the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and mobilisation into the daily operations of companies across various industries which stay connected to guidance software by means of 3G or 4G SIM cards. This increasing demand for mobilisation and communication technologies has encouraged more interest from investors to invest in the Mobile Telecommunication Industry (MTI). The aforementioned leads to heightened competition among Mobile Telecommunication Service Providers (MTSP), already competing in a fiercely contested market. For service providers to guarantee success in such a highly competitive market, companies should endeavour to provide superior quality and customer-centric services to retain and attract customers. Service providers that provide their customers with quality experiences gain a competitive advantage over rival firms and enjoy increased financial returns. Thus, companies measure their service quality (SQ) continuously to understand what consumers need and want as well as to ascertain how customers perceive the quality of service provision of the organisation. Therefore, this research study introduces and discusses various SQ measurement instruments and dimensions that may be relevant for a MTSP to consider when measuring SQ. This study further provides a broad overview of the latest techniques and best practices that popular service providers have applied globally, to enhance their SQ measurement In order to facilitate the SQ measurement process, researchers have designed different instruments, tailored for measuring SQ in various particular industries, by identifying and incorporating relevant industry-specific SQ dimensions. This enables the measurement of the customer perceived performance of each individual dimension for a particular service provided in a specific industry. In order to initiate a SQ measurement project, companies employ a variety of techniques to collect data. In this research study, the SQ data collection technique and resultant data set of a South African Mobile Telecommunication Service Provider (SAMTSP) were analysed to evaluate present service quality processes and provide guidelines to a SAMTSP on improved processes to implement to determine its service quality levels. Eight independent variables were identified from the quantitative data in the service quality data set provided by a SAMTSP for the purposes of this study. The dependent variable was identified as Performance which served as the unit of measurement for the independent variables. The qualitative data analysis applied to the qualitative data in the provided data set, revealed three Attitudes (key patterns) namely Positive, Neutral and Negative. Moreover, 14 themes were extracted from these Attitudes and which provide deeper insight into customer sentiments with regards to the overall performance of a SAMTSP. The results indicated that the SAMTSP may not have targeted the necessary SQ dimensions. It was also found that the data collection technique employed by the SAMTSP to create the SQ data set had certain limitations that might have negatively impacted upon the relevance and quality of the SQ data collected. The findings further suggest that the MTSP could follow a better SQ measurement process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A framework for managing the impact of information communication technology on employee well-being
- Authors: Ackerman, Richard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Work environment -- Psychological aspects , Work -- Technological innovations Employees -- Mental health Job stress Flextime
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21449 , vital:29523
- Description: Employees who work with Information Communication Technology (hereafter referred to as ICT) face a risk in a rise of portable work. This in turn provides a means for employees to be connected to work, even when at home. Flexible work solutions and ability to work any hour of the week creates non-standard work schedules, which in turn can lead to a condition of work-a-holism. In most cases, this phenomena is driven by the belief that being constantly available to work demonstrates a devotion to one’s career and employer. The higher demands placed on employees, are in most cases at the expense of employees’ health, work-life balance and overall well-being. The primary objective of this study is therefore to establish whether the use of ICT outside of normal working hours affects employee well-being, as measured in terms of work-life balance. The second objective of this study is to provide the Target Company within the automotive component supply industry located in Port Elizabeth, in the Republic of South Africa, with a framework for managing the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The research paper has been prompted by the Target Company having recently introduced flexible working solutions for its employees. Research on the topic of alternative forms of work schedules, has shown flexible working arrangements gives employees more choice and control over where, when and by how much they work. Flexibility allows employees to actively shape their working conditions which helps them solve the demands of integrating personal life and work commitments. Whether management should encourage or permit the use of ICT amongst its employees to extend beyond normal working hours however remains unclear. In order to answer the research questions, this study has applied a quantitative, positivistic and deductive research based methodology. The approach applied within this study included conducting an extensive literature review on the effects of ICT use after hours on employee well-being. Thereafter using literature as a foundation, a measuring instrument was constructed in the form of an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was emailed to respondents to collect primary data, in order to measure the dependent and independent variables in terms of the hypothesised relationships. Testing of the variables followed, in order to establish whether the use of ICT use after hours negatively impacts employee well-being as measured in terms of work-life balance and stress. Secondly, the study set out to establish whether flexible working conditions linked to ICT use after hours negatively impacts on employee work-life balance. Thirdly, the relationship between physiological aspects such as age, gender and ethnicity were interrogated to establish an employees’ ability to adapt to changing work conditions, brought about as a direct result of ICT. Lastly, this study set out to establish which ICT tool (email, cellular phone, smartphone or other) has the highest impact on employee wellness. The data collection process yielded a sample of 103 respondents in middle and senior management levels of the Target Company, with 97% being recipients of employer provided ICT tools. These respondents represented the employees who are most likely to be affected by the phenomena under investigation. The survey data was captured and analysed using descriptive statistical techniques. The interpretation revealed aspects which formed the basis for managerial recommendations in the form of a proposed framework to manage the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The findings of the study found that the use of ICT outside of normal working hours has a negative influence on employee well-being as measured in terms of work-life balance and stress. The literature review findings were confirmed as supporting the statement that flexible working conditions linked to ICT use after hours having a positive influence on employee work-life balance. A further finding of the study was the confirmation of physiological aspects affects an employees’ ability to adapt to changing working conditions, thereby having a negative influence on employee work-life balance. Lastly, to the question of which ICT tool has the biggest impact on well-being, it was found that differing ICT tools (email, cellular, smartphone, or other) do not have a negative influence on employee wellness. These findings formed the basis for the recommendations in the form of a framework which has been proposed to manage the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The most pertinent aspect of the framework includes the employer communicating a well-defined ICT usage policy, which clearly outlines a standard operating procedure in relation to ICT use to all its employees. The findings furthermore propose that the employer should take the time to explain and train its employees as to what is considered acceptable and non-acceptable use of ICT devices, especially in relation to after hour use and leave absences from work. To ensure employee well-being, employees should be encouraged to implement defined time blocks for when they are available for work and when they are not. This can be applied through the act of switching off their ICT devices, which constitutes a boundary work tactic as an action in order to prevent work-related interruptions in the private sphere. While the employer can take described measures, it should also be noted that there is responsibility on the part of the employee to ensure personal wellness, including regular exercise, relaxation, and taking appropriate breaks when necessary. Moreover, employees can apply work and life boundary management techniques through the selective use of devices. By not applying automatic work email updates on ICT devices such as smart phones is yet another boundary management technique which can be utilised by employees. There are a range of practical suggestions which are proposed as a method to minimize the risk of ICT use on employee well-being within this research document. The above proposals have only served to highlight a select few aspects. While it is acknowledged that there are important advantages associated with the development and use of ICT, it is equally important to allow employees to recharge their batteries in the form of appropriate downtime to regain perspective, thus allowing the organisation to maintain its competitive advantage, with the well-being of its employees taken to heart.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ackerman, Richard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Work environment -- Psychological aspects , Work -- Technological innovations Employees -- Mental health Job stress Flextime
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21449 , vital:29523
- Description: Employees who work with Information Communication Technology (hereafter referred to as ICT) face a risk in a rise of portable work. This in turn provides a means for employees to be connected to work, even when at home. Flexible work solutions and ability to work any hour of the week creates non-standard work schedules, which in turn can lead to a condition of work-a-holism. In most cases, this phenomena is driven by the belief that being constantly available to work demonstrates a devotion to one’s career and employer. The higher demands placed on employees, are in most cases at the expense of employees’ health, work-life balance and overall well-being. The primary objective of this study is therefore to establish whether the use of ICT outside of normal working hours affects employee well-being, as measured in terms of work-life balance. The second objective of this study is to provide the Target Company within the automotive component supply industry located in Port Elizabeth, in the Republic of South Africa, with a framework for managing the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The research paper has been prompted by the Target Company having recently introduced flexible working solutions for its employees. Research on the topic of alternative forms of work schedules, has shown flexible working arrangements gives employees more choice and control over where, when and by how much they work. Flexibility allows employees to actively shape their working conditions which helps them solve the demands of integrating personal life and work commitments. Whether management should encourage or permit the use of ICT amongst its employees to extend beyond normal working hours however remains unclear. In order to answer the research questions, this study has applied a quantitative, positivistic and deductive research based methodology. The approach applied within this study included conducting an extensive literature review on the effects of ICT use after hours on employee well-being. Thereafter using literature as a foundation, a measuring instrument was constructed in the form of an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was emailed to respondents to collect primary data, in order to measure the dependent and independent variables in terms of the hypothesised relationships. Testing of the variables followed, in order to establish whether the use of ICT use after hours negatively impacts employee well-being as measured in terms of work-life balance and stress. Secondly, the study set out to establish whether flexible working conditions linked to ICT use after hours negatively impacts on employee work-life balance. Thirdly, the relationship between physiological aspects such as age, gender and ethnicity were interrogated to establish an employees’ ability to adapt to changing work conditions, brought about as a direct result of ICT. Lastly, this study set out to establish which ICT tool (email, cellular phone, smartphone or other) has the highest impact on employee wellness. The data collection process yielded a sample of 103 respondents in middle and senior management levels of the Target Company, with 97% being recipients of employer provided ICT tools. These respondents represented the employees who are most likely to be affected by the phenomena under investigation. The survey data was captured and analysed using descriptive statistical techniques. The interpretation revealed aspects which formed the basis for managerial recommendations in the form of a proposed framework to manage the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The findings of the study found that the use of ICT outside of normal working hours has a negative influence on employee well-being as measured in terms of work-life balance and stress. The literature review findings were confirmed as supporting the statement that flexible working conditions linked to ICT use after hours having a positive influence on employee work-life balance. A further finding of the study was the confirmation of physiological aspects affects an employees’ ability to adapt to changing working conditions, thereby having a negative influence on employee work-life balance. Lastly, to the question of which ICT tool has the biggest impact on well-being, it was found that differing ICT tools (email, cellular, smartphone, or other) do not have a negative influence on employee wellness. These findings formed the basis for the recommendations in the form of a framework which has been proposed to manage the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The most pertinent aspect of the framework includes the employer communicating a well-defined ICT usage policy, which clearly outlines a standard operating procedure in relation to ICT use to all its employees. The findings furthermore propose that the employer should take the time to explain and train its employees as to what is considered acceptable and non-acceptable use of ICT devices, especially in relation to after hour use and leave absences from work. To ensure employee well-being, employees should be encouraged to implement defined time blocks for when they are available for work and when they are not. This can be applied through the act of switching off their ICT devices, which constitutes a boundary work tactic as an action in order to prevent work-related interruptions in the private sphere. While the employer can take described measures, it should also be noted that there is responsibility on the part of the employee to ensure personal wellness, including regular exercise, relaxation, and taking appropriate breaks when necessary. Moreover, employees can apply work and life boundary management techniques through the selective use of devices. By not applying automatic work email updates on ICT devices such as smart phones is yet another boundary management technique which can be utilised by employees. There are a range of practical suggestions which are proposed as a method to minimize the risk of ICT use on employee well-being within this research document. The above proposals have only served to highlight a select few aspects. While it is acknowledged that there are important advantages associated with the development and use of ICT, it is equally important to allow employees to recharge their batteries in the form of appropriate downtime to regain perspective, thus allowing the organisation to maintain its competitive advantage, with the well-being of its employees taken to heart.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A framework to address the shortage of registered nurses in South Africa in alignment with the national health insurance requirement
- Authors: Venturini, Ronwyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing -- South Africa , Nursing -- Manpower -- South Africa Nursing services -- South Africa -- Administration Skilled labor -- South Africa Labor supply -- South Africa Manpower planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36782 , vital:34054
- Description: In South Africa, there is a dire need for good quality healthcare in the public and private sectors. To achieve the aforementioned, the shortage of medical personnel is of utmost concern and the ability to retain these qualified individuals an even greater dilemma. The Department of Health in South Africa has embarked on a National Health Insurance model they want to introduce similar to the first world countries such as the British and American systems whereby medical insurance is free for all and not a single citizen is left unattended in their time of need. The primary purpose of this study was to identify a framework that will enable the South African government to implement a successful National Health Insurance system. Key theoretical factors (remuneration and rewards, work climate, stress, job satisfaction, recognition and bedside nursing) were investigated to ascertain what the key contributors are regarding the shortage of registered nurses. The identification of pertinent factors will promote the retention of nurses, which represent the population of this study. A questionnaire was designed by the researcher to collect the data from the sample, which consisted of 99 registered nurses in both public and the private sectors in South Africa across the provinces namely Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape Kwa-Zulu Natal, Free State, Limpopo and North West. The data collection process included electronic and hard copies of the questionnaires that were administered using the self-selected sampling and snowball non-probability sampling strategies. Descriptive statistics were conducted on the empirical data collected; and inferential statistics in the form of multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses formulated. The study found that recognition is the only contributor that is directly related to the shortage of registered nurses. The framework established should assist policy makers and government to understand the contributing factors exacerbating the shortage of registered nurses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Venturini, Ronwyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing -- South Africa , Nursing -- Manpower -- South Africa Nursing services -- South Africa -- Administration Skilled labor -- South Africa Labor supply -- South Africa Manpower planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36782 , vital:34054
- Description: In South Africa, there is a dire need for good quality healthcare in the public and private sectors. To achieve the aforementioned, the shortage of medical personnel is of utmost concern and the ability to retain these qualified individuals an even greater dilemma. The Department of Health in South Africa has embarked on a National Health Insurance model they want to introduce similar to the first world countries such as the British and American systems whereby medical insurance is free for all and not a single citizen is left unattended in their time of need. The primary purpose of this study was to identify a framework that will enable the South African government to implement a successful National Health Insurance system. Key theoretical factors (remuneration and rewards, work climate, stress, job satisfaction, recognition and bedside nursing) were investigated to ascertain what the key contributors are regarding the shortage of registered nurses. The identification of pertinent factors will promote the retention of nurses, which represent the population of this study. A questionnaire was designed by the researcher to collect the data from the sample, which consisted of 99 registered nurses in both public and the private sectors in South Africa across the provinces namely Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape Kwa-Zulu Natal, Free State, Limpopo and North West. The data collection process included electronic and hard copies of the questionnaires that were administered using the self-selected sampling and snowball non-probability sampling strategies. Descriptive statistics were conducted on the empirical data collected; and inferential statistics in the form of multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses formulated. The study found that recognition is the only contributor that is directly related to the shortage of registered nurses. The framework established should assist policy makers and government to understand the contributing factors exacerbating the shortage of registered nurses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An analysis of foreign market entry strategy for Discovery Limited
- Authors: Terblanche, Gaynor
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Export marketing , Foreign exchange International trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35841 , vital:33852
- Description: The Discovery Limited is a key player in the South African Insurance Industry, which is well regulated. The Insurance Industry is of a world class standard and compares favourably with economies such as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African economy continues to show a decline with a negative growth in gross domestic product (GDP), for two consecutive quarters (last quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2017). The current dampened expected growth rates, with a highly penetrated insurance market in South Africa, are strong incentives to look for growth beyond the borders of South Africa. This study, therefore, explores the potential impact on investor confidence, when Discovery Limited enters Foreign Markets. The research objectives, namely Industry-Based considerations, institution-based considerations, resource-based considerations and recommendations, were used to draw linkages between the Discovery Shared Value Insurance Model and the Business Model Framework. Internationalisation models were introduced, yet Peng’s Comprehensive Model of Foreign Market Entry in conjunction with Discovery Limited’s Shared-Value Insurance Model, provides a greater scope to assess the foreign market entries The study seeks to propose a strategy for when firms enter foreign markets and explores investor confidence when doing so. The findings of the study will be able to be generalised in the market amongst firms who seek to enter foreign markets and provides insight and recommendations to all stakeholders upon taking the move. In pursuing this study, a qualitative approach was conducted. A review of the literature making use of academic resource, annual financial reports of the company and country reports available in the public domain, were used. Interviews were conducted using semi-structured questions with the Partner Market Executives of Discovery to gain deeper insight and understanding. An invitation to interview six (6) participants, was distributed and only five (5) were interviewed. This constitutes a (5/6) 83.3% response rate. These Partner Market Executives were best positioned to answer questions related to Foreign Market Entry (Partner Markets) for Discovery Limited. The questions were informed by the literature. A Thematic Analysis was conducted on the data collected to identify core themes that strongly resonated with participants. The research findings are credible, and the subject of the research was correctly identified, from the view point of both the researchers and the participants. The participation was voluntary and record keeping of audio and transcriptions were done. Based on the key themes identified for each of the three foreign market entry considerations, the study concluded that: ‘Vitality becomes core to the solution’, ‘the intellectual property that sits behind the Shared Value Model’, ‘Can’t run away from regulatory approval’, ‘Timing to enter a market’, and ‘infrastructure to enter a foreign market’ are crucial considerations that an investor would like to see, and Discovery Limited must be mindful of this when targeting growth in its share price. Therefore, Discovery will have to consider advice on infrastructure development for Africa and they will have to set an unobstructed vision and timeline to expand into Africa. Discovery Limited, being a South African Company, is still challenged with a product that must be compatible with the rest of the African market. Entering into Africa might not be a priority now, but the lack of knowledge on what the product for the African market would look like, left room for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Terblanche, Gaynor
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Export marketing , Foreign exchange International trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35841 , vital:33852
- Description: The Discovery Limited is a key player in the South African Insurance Industry, which is well regulated. The Insurance Industry is of a world class standard and compares favourably with economies such as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African economy continues to show a decline with a negative growth in gross domestic product (GDP), for two consecutive quarters (last quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2017). The current dampened expected growth rates, with a highly penetrated insurance market in South Africa, are strong incentives to look for growth beyond the borders of South Africa. This study, therefore, explores the potential impact on investor confidence, when Discovery Limited enters Foreign Markets. The research objectives, namely Industry-Based considerations, institution-based considerations, resource-based considerations and recommendations, were used to draw linkages between the Discovery Shared Value Insurance Model and the Business Model Framework. Internationalisation models were introduced, yet Peng’s Comprehensive Model of Foreign Market Entry in conjunction with Discovery Limited’s Shared-Value Insurance Model, provides a greater scope to assess the foreign market entries The study seeks to propose a strategy for when firms enter foreign markets and explores investor confidence when doing so. The findings of the study will be able to be generalised in the market amongst firms who seek to enter foreign markets and provides insight and recommendations to all stakeholders upon taking the move. In pursuing this study, a qualitative approach was conducted. A review of the literature making use of academic resource, annual financial reports of the company and country reports available in the public domain, were used. Interviews were conducted using semi-structured questions with the Partner Market Executives of Discovery to gain deeper insight and understanding. An invitation to interview six (6) participants, was distributed and only five (5) were interviewed. This constitutes a (5/6) 83.3% response rate. These Partner Market Executives were best positioned to answer questions related to Foreign Market Entry (Partner Markets) for Discovery Limited. The questions were informed by the literature. A Thematic Analysis was conducted on the data collected to identify core themes that strongly resonated with participants. The research findings are credible, and the subject of the research was correctly identified, from the view point of both the researchers and the participants. The participation was voluntary and record keeping of audio and transcriptions were done. Based on the key themes identified for each of the three foreign market entry considerations, the study concluded that: ‘Vitality becomes core to the solution’, ‘the intellectual property that sits behind the Shared Value Model’, ‘Can’t run away from regulatory approval’, ‘Timing to enter a market’, and ‘infrastructure to enter a foreign market’ are crucial considerations that an investor would like to see, and Discovery Limited must be mindful of this when targeting growth in its share price. Therefore, Discovery will have to consider advice on infrastructure development for Africa and they will have to set an unobstructed vision and timeline to expand into Africa. Discovery Limited, being a South African Company, is still challenged with a product that must be compatible with the rest of the African market. Entering into Africa might not be a priority now, but the lack of knowledge on what the product for the African market would look like, left room for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An assessment of female and management perceptions of factors moderating leadership mobility at Logistic (PTY) LTD
- Authors: Rippon, Marion Magdelyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Transformational leadership Leadership in women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17897 , vital:28480
- Description: Senior management positions at a South African-based logistics company Logistic (Pty) Ltd (pseudonym) are predominantly occupied by males which led to the primary question: why are females not better represented at senior levels within the organisation and why do promotion into these senior managerial positions appears difficult? The objective of this study was to determine factors impacting female advancement and to develop strategies based on identified influencing factors. Based on an interpretivist paradigm, the study used a phenomenological approach which was based on an appreciative enquiry research to understand experiences perceived and interpreted by individuals within the organisation. Various findings emerged in terms of the research questions of how management perceive and support female advancement, the perception of barriers experienced by females and the perception of the potential of the organisation promoting females in terms of providing an enabling environment. Findings which were not conducive to female advancement were identified as non-supporting organisational culture due to the inherent history of the organisation, tokenism by trying to rectify the phenomenon, transparent barriers experienced by females trying to ascend the corporate ladder and the lack of a pool of suitable candidates in the junior levels of the organisation which could be caused by the industry in which the organisation does business. Conclusions surrounding organisational intentions and actions were reached, which included recommendations for progressing towards the goals as agreed by the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) and its strategic and sectoral stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Rippon, Marion Magdelyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Transformational leadership Leadership in women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17897 , vital:28480
- Description: Senior management positions at a South African-based logistics company Logistic (Pty) Ltd (pseudonym) are predominantly occupied by males which led to the primary question: why are females not better represented at senior levels within the organisation and why do promotion into these senior managerial positions appears difficult? The objective of this study was to determine factors impacting female advancement and to develop strategies based on identified influencing factors. Based on an interpretivist paradigm, the study used a phenomenological approach which was based on an appreciative enquiry research to understand experiences perceived and interpreted by individuals within the organisation. Various findings emerged in terms of the research questions of how management perceive and support female advancement, the perception of barriers experienced by females and the perception of the potential of the organisation promoting females in terms of providing an enabling environment. Findings which were not conducive to female advancement were identified as non-supporting organisational culture due to the inherent history of the organisation, tokenism by trying to rectify the phenomenon, transparent barriers experienced by females trying to ascend the corporate ladder and the lack of a pool of suitable candidates in the junior levels of the organisation which could be caused by the industry in which the organisation does business. Conclusions surrounding organisational intentions and actions were reached, which included recommendations for progressing towards the goals as agreed by the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) and its strategic and sectoral stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
E-waste management in the Nelson Mandela Bay households, awareness and their participation in the disposal of electronic and electrical waste
- Authors: Stowman, Grant Michael
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic waste -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Electronic waste -- Economic aspects Environmental education -- Research Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35245 , vital:33666
- Description: Over the years there has been an exceptional growth in electrical and electronic products. Technology improved consumer products have become a vital part of mankind’s daily living experiences and development. This has made a significant difference in the standard of living for many people (Okorhi et al., 2015). The same phenomenon has also made a major contribution to science and agricultural activities. However, the by-products belonging to electrical and electronic appliances and the dismantling processes have created huge challenges. The contents of these devices have brought along a visible threat to people and the environment. E-waste contains a multitude of elements which contain certain toxic substances. Exposure to these hazardous substances can be dangerous to humans and the environment (Rajput,2013). The inappropriate handling comes in the form of legal or illegal dumping, crude recycling, improper treatment and using incorrect disposalmethods. On the other hand, e-waste devices have the potential to augment lifestyles by recycling and reusing endof- life devices or extracting elements such as lead, gold, silver etc. (UNEP, 2007). E-waste has been growing rapidly world-wide and has become one of the fastest growing waste streams. This phenomenon has been fuelled by consumers purchasing multiple electrical and electronic products. The high obsolescence rates of these products lead to the dumping of these devices for newer products. The increasing market penetration through technology also receives a boost from social changes such as globalisation and urbanisation (Babu et al., 2007). The main aim of this study is to ascertain the relevance of e-waste management and its consequences in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. World-wide, many countries have or are busy putting together policies and legislation to combat e-waste. South Africa has certain policies and legislation in place regarding hazardous substances. However, the policies and legislation are not specific enough when it comes to the collection, recycling and disposal of e-waste (Dittke, 2007). Against this background, the aim of this study was to investigate certain factors that influence households, when it comes to the management of household e-waste. These factors include the awareness and the participation of households in the management and disposal of electronic and electrical waste in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. A theoretical framework was developed to address the above-mentioned challenges. Three suburbs in the NMBM were purposely selected to conduct this study. These suburbs fell into the lower, middle and high-income areas. The study used the quantitative research method and data was gathered by using questionnaires. A systematic random sampling method was applied to distribute the questionnaires. The data was analysed, and certain conclusions were made. Firstly, there is a wide range of e-waste being indiscriminately disposed of by householders. Secondly, findings indicated a low level of awareness regarding the environmental and harmful effects of e-waste when it comes to humans. Thirdly, the study also revealed that NMBM has no household e-waste management strategy in place. The study recommends the need for meaningful environmental education to uplift community awareness pertaining to e-waste management. Lastly, the NMBM needs to formulate by-laws and guidance policies when it comes to household e-waste disposal. These recommendations will help to preserve our world for future generations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Stowman, Grant Michael
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic waste -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Electronic waste -- Economic aspects Environmental education -- Research Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35245 , vital:33666
- Description: Over the years there has been an exceptional growth in electrical and electronic products. Technology improved consumer products have become a vital part of mankind’s daily living experiences and development. This has made a significant difference in the standard of living for many people (Okorhi et al., 2015). The same phenomenon has also made a major contribution to science and agricultural activities. However, the by-products belonging to electrical and electronic appliances and the dismantling processes have created huge challenges. The contents of these devices have brought along a visible threat to people and the environment. E-waste contains a multitude of elements which contain certain toxic substances. Exposure to these hazardous substances can be dangerous to humans and the environment (Rajput,2013). The inappropriate handling comes in the form of legal or illegal dumping, crude recycling, improper treatment and using incorrect disposalmethods. On the other hand, e-waste devices have the potential to augment lifestyles by recycling and reusing endof- life devices or extracting elements such as lead, gold, silver etc. (UNEP, 2007). E-waste has been growing rapidly world-wide and has become one of the fastest growing waste streams. This phenomenon has been fuelled by consumers purchasing multiple electrical and electronic products. The high obsolescence rates of these products lead to the dumping of these devices for newer products. The increasing market penetration through technology also receives a boost from social changes such as globalisation and urbanisation (Babu et al., 2007). The main aim of this study is to ascertain the relevance of e-waste management and its consequences in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. World-wide, many countries have or are busy putting together policies and legislation to combat e-waste. South Africa has certain policies and legislation in place regarding hazardous substances. However, the policies and legislation are not specific enough when it comes to the collection, recycling and disposal of e-waste (Dittke, 2007). Against this background, the aim of this study was to investigate certain factors that influence households, when it comes to the management of household e-waste. These factors include the awareness and the participation of households in the management and disposal of electronic and electrical waste in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. A theoretical framework was developed to address the above-mentioned challenges. Three suburbs in the NMBM were purposely selected to conduct this study. These suburbs fell into the lower, middle and high-income areas. The study used the quantitative research method and data was gathered by using questionnaires. A systematic random sampling method was applied to distribute the questionnaires. The data was analysed, and certain conclusions were made. Firstly, there is a wide range of e-waste being indiscriminately disposed of by householders. Secondly, findings indicated a low level of awareness regarding the environmental and harmful effects of e-waste when it comes to humans. Thirdly, the study also revealed that NMBM has no household e-waste management strategy in place. The study recommends the need for meaningful environmental education to uplift community awareness pertaining to e-waste management. Lastly, the NMBM needs to formulate by-laws and guidance policies when it comes to household e-waste disposal. These recommendations will help to preserve our world for future generations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Enhancing employee engagement within exponential organisations
- Authors: Stander, Rizel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Employees -- Attitudes Organizational change Reengineering (Management)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35278 , vital:33690
- Description: Mayo (2016, p. 88) states that many researchers agree that investing in employee engagement has guaranteed great returns; the question for organisations are whether these returns will be linear or exponential for them. A new breed of company emerged called the “exponential organisation” which leverage accelerating technologies to achieve an unheard-of business model that shows exponential growth. However, this technology is still created, maintained and reinvented by employees. Therefore, the premise is that highly engaged employees are one of the key factors that fuel exponential organisations, and this was under investigation in this research study. Employee engagement has been extensively researched yet only a few organisations can claim the majority of their employees are highly engaged. The topic of employee engagement within exponential organisations, however, has barely been covered by scholars or practitioners. Subsequently, given that it is a new organisational phenomenon, little academic or practitioner’s research could be found. For this reason, the main purpose of this study was to find key drivers of employee engagement within exponential organisations to develop a theoretical framework and hypotheses which could be statistically tested. The outcomes could assist in enhancing employee engagement within exponential organisations, thereby achieving greater business success. An online survey questionnaire was used to gather empirical data within a financial technology exponential organisation. The sample consisted of 40 fulltime employees working in Australia, China and South Africa of which most were between the ages of 35 to 44 years old and have been with the organisation for less than two years. The results showed that organisational management and employee autonomy were found to have a direct positive relationship with the concept of employee engagement and is found to be key drivers of employee engagement within exponential organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Stander, Rizel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Employees -- Attitudes Organizational change Reengineering (Management)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35278 , vital:33690
- Description: Mayo (2016, p. 88) states that many researchers agree that investing in employee engagement has guaranteed great returns; the question for organisations are whether these returns will be linear or exponential for them. A new breed of company emerged called the “exponential organisation” which leverage accelerating technologies to achieve an unheard-of business model that shows exponential growth. However, this technology is still created, maintained and reinvented by employees. Therefore, the premise is that highly engaged employees are one of the key factors that fuel exponential organisations, and this was under investigation in this research study. Employee engagement has been extensively researched yet only a few organisations can claim the majority of their employees are highly engaged. The topic of employee engagement within exponential organisations, however, has barely been covered by scholars or practitioners. Subsequently, given that it is a new organisational phenomenon, little academic or practitioner’s research could be found. For this reason, the main purpose of this study was to find key drivers of employee engagement within exponential organisations to develop a theoretical framework and hypotheses which could be statistically tested. The outcomes could assist in enhancing employee engagement within exponential organisations, thereby achieving greater business success. An online survey questionnaire was used to gather empirical data within a financial technology exponential organisation. The sample consisted of 40 fulltime employees working in Australia, China and South Africa of which most were between the ages of 35 to 44 years old and have been with the organisation for less than two years. The results showed that organisational management and employee autonomy were found to have a direct positive relationship with the concept of employee engagement and is found to be key drivers of employee engagement within exponential organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Exploring an operational strategy for South African electron microscopy facilities
- Authors: Olivier, Ezra Jacobus
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electron microscopy , Production management -- South Africa Strategic planning -- South Africa Performance -- Management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34465 , vital:33383
- Description: Electron microscopy is a versatile and widely used technique in the fields of physical and biological sciences. It is a strategic enabling resource needed for innovative science and technology research to occur in the areas of nanotechnology developments. The availability of these resources worldwide are typically seen within dedicated shared electron microscopy research facilities due to the costs and operational support required in acquisition and operation of these instruments. A consequence of this is that these facilities require carefully designed operational management approaches. One of the pertinent questions within the electron microscopy community of South Africa is if electron microscopy core facilities in the country could be judged successful in the execution of their operations. Some concerns related to the skills present at these facilities as well as the management philosophy of these facilities have been raised. This study aims to investigate these factors within an South African context. In the current study, a combination of the quantitative and qualitative research paradigms was used. A survey was conducted amongst South African electron microscopy core facility users to measure their level of satisfaction and needs related to electron microscopy core facilities in South Africa. Furthermore, insights where gathered from experienced managers of electron microscopy core facilities nationally and internationally using a case study based approach. The findings were combined and compared to identify the critical factors needed to optimise the operational approaches of electron microscopy facilities in South Africa and to develop a standardised approach in judging a facility’s performance. The study provided valuable insights as to the level of satisfaction present within the electron microscopy community of South Africa related to the use of electron microscopy core facilities in the country. It also yielded important information regarding the areas where the highest need for improvement lies. The outcome of the study provides a standardized approach to the operations of electron microscopy research facilities in South Africa and their performance evaluation. A possible limitation to the study is the population sample used for the survey. The survey was completed by existing electron microscopy core facility users in South Africa. However, the experiences and needs of less frequent or potential new users of such facilities were not probed. Thus, the developed strategy may lack factors related to growing the field in South Africa if the needs of inexperienced users are not taken into account.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Olivier, Ezra Jacobus
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electron microscopy , Production management -- South Africa Strategic planning -- South Africa Performance -- Management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34465 , vital:33383
- Description: Electron microscopy is a versatile and widely used technique in the fields of physical and biological sciences. It is a strategic enabling resource needed for innovative science and technology research to occur in the areas of nanotechnology developments. The availability of these resources worldwide are typically seen within dedicated shared electron microscopy research facilities due to the costs and operational support required in acquisition and operation of these instruments. A consequence of this is that these facilities require carefully designed operational management approaches. One of the pertinent questions within the electron microscopy community of South Africa is if electron microscopy core facilities in the country could be judged successful in the execution of their operations. Some concerns related to the skills present at these facilities as well as the management philosophy of these facilities have been raised. This study aims to investigate these factors within an South African context. In the current study, a combination of the quantitative and qualitative research paradigms was used. A survey was conducted amongst South African electron microscopy core facility users to measure their level of satisfaction and needs related to electron microscopy core facilities in South Africa. Furthermore, insights where gathered from experienced managers of electron microscopy core facilities nationally and internationally using a case study based approach. The findings were combined and compared to identify the critical factors needed to optimise the operational approaches of electron microscopy facilities in South Africa and to develop a standardised approach in judging a facility’s performance. The study provided valuable insights as to the level of satisfaction present within the electron microscopy community of South Africa related to the use of electron microscopy core facilities in the country. It also yielded important information regarding the areas where the highest need for improvement lies. The outcome of the study provides a standardized approach to the operations of electron microscopy research facilities in South Africa and their performance evaluation. A possible limitation to the study is the population sample used for the survey. The survey was completed by existing electron microscopy core facility users in South Africa. However, the experiences and needs of less frequent or potential new users of such facilities were not probed. Thus, the developed strategy may lack factors related to growing the field in South Africa if the needs of inexperienced users are not taken into account.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors influencing a culture of continuous improvement in the pharmaceutical environment
- Authors: Swartz, Alberto Asiscio
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Continuous improvement process Organizational change , Corporate culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23448 , vital:30548
- Description: Organisational change has proven to be a major challenge for many businesses worldwide with the pharmaceutical environment being no exception. The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly pressurised by stakeholders who seek reduced cost, higher value and quality. This has resulted in many pharmaceutical businesses attempting to launch various continuous improvement methodologies, which ultimately fail. Whereas failure of continuous improvement undertakings within the pharmaceutical environment is well documented, this study aimed to understand the factors that influence the successful sustainability of such endeavours. The purpose of this study was therefore to identify and create an understanding of the factors that influence a culture of continuous improvement within the pharmaceutical environment. The literature review revealed that factors such as leadership, teamwork, communication, continuous improvement capability and a continuous improvement mind-set contributed to the successful implementation of a culture that embraces continuous improvement. It was recognised that building a culture of continuous improvement is not instantaneous and that it requires all stakeholders to be committed and to acknowledge that changing culture requires time. An empirical study with a questionnaire as data collecting instrument was conducted to assess respondents’ perceptions of the levels of continuous improvement, leadership, teamwork, communication, continuous improvement capability and a continuous improvement mind-set within a selected pharmaceutical manufacturing business. The study revealed that all these factors were related and influenced a culture of continuous improvement. Furthermore, leadership and a continuous improvement mind-set proved to have the most significant relationship with a culture of continuous improvement. Recommendations were provided for the creation of a culture of continuous improvement in pharmaceutical businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Swartz, Alberto Asiscio
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Continuous improvement process Organizational change , Corporate culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23448 , vital:30548
- Description: Organisational change has proven to be a major challenge for many businesses worldwide with the pharmaceutical environment being no exception. The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly pressurised by stakeholders who seek reduced cost, higher value and quality. This has resulted in many pharmaceutical businesses attempting to launch various continuous improvement methodologies, which ultimately fail. Whereas failure of continuous improvement undertakings within the pharmaceutical environment is well documented, this study aimed to understand the factors that influence the successful sustainability of such endeavours. The purpose of this study was therefore to identify and create an understanding of the factors that influence a culture of continuous improvement within the pharmaceutical environment. The literature review revealed that factors such as leadership, teamwork, communication, continuous improvement capability and a continuous improvement mind-set contributed to the successful implementation of a culture that embraces continuous improvement. It was recognised that building a culture of continuous improvement is not instantaneous and that it requires all stakeholders to be committed and to acknowledge that changing culture requires time. An empirical study with a questionnaire as data collecting instrument was conducted to assess respondents’ perceptions of the levels of continuous improvement, leadership, teamwork, communication, continuous improvement capability and a continuous improvement mind-set within a selected pharmaceutical manufacturing business. The study revealed that all these factors were related and influenced a culture of continuous improvement. Furthermore, leadership and a continuous improvement mind-set proved to have the most significant relationship with a culture of continuous improvement. Recommendations were provided for the creation of a culture of continuous improvement in pharmaceutical businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors influencing non-completion of final year undergraduate university studies: implications for management
- Authors: Webb, Theresa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Dropouts -- South Africa , College dropouts -- South Africa Academic achievement -- South Africa Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35874 , vital:33855
- Description: South Africa has seen remarkable growth in student numbers at universities since reforms were introduced with the advent of democracy in 1994. Enrolments have almost doubled in the past twenty years, yet South African Higher Education (HE) is characterised by high levels of failure and dropout, and an estimated 50 to 55% of each intake will never graduate. This is not only an indictment on HE institutions (HEIs), but also results in rising debt to the students and to society. In South Africa, student debt has increased at an alarming rate since 2012, whilst state funding has decreased. Students have advocated for education to be free. President Zuma announced in December 2017 that education for the poor would be free. It is not clear yet where the funding will come from, but it would not be from universities’ as their budgets are already thinly spread. The main aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to students dropping out of university in their final year of study, with some modules still outstanding. 360 final year students were identified as having less than 60% of their required credits left to complete their studies, but they had not re-registered and they were thus categorised as non-completing students or dropouts. An analysis of their biographical characteristics revealed that non-completing students were more likely studying for a diploma, male, ‘black’, and did not have English as a home language. Trends were also analysed across faculties and qualification types. In addition to the quantitative description of the biographical characteristics of the non-completing students, a further qualitative exploration was undertaken.Telephonic interviews were conducted with 65 of the non-completing students using a semi-structured interview schedule. The schedule consisted of four grand tour questions and various prompts to ascertain the reasons for students not completing their qualifications. The qualitative results revealed that financial, academic, health and personal problems were the main factors in Nelson Mandela University (NMU) final year undergraduate students’ decisions not to complete their studies. Other factors identified included taking up job opportunities and struggling to balance work and studies; along with factors related to the need for more flexible modes of delivery; and a more inclusive, caring, humanising institutional culture. If the 360 students with 60% or less of their required credits outstanding had graduated at NMU, the institution would have received approximately R8.6 million in subsidy income. In addition to the R8.6 million loss in subsidy income, there would also have been a considerable loss in fee income. Of these 360 non-completing students, 27 students had just one module outstanding. Had these 27 students with just one module outstanding been able to complete their outstanding module and graduate, the institution could have earned an approximate subsidy income of R767 667. The cost of the outstanding modules of these 27 students amounted to R111 070. This shows that the university could have reaped a substantial return on investment if these students could have been assisted to graduate. Based on these findings, a number of recommendations and suggestions were made to support students with the aim to assist the university to reduce the number of non-completing students and enable as many students as possible to complete their studies and graduate. These included having procedures in place for students to be able to take up their concerns with academics and faculty administration; implementing a system to track student progress and to institute interventions as soon as possible; greater flexibility in the delivery modes of modules, with increased online and distance learning possibilities for students who had only a few modules to complete; and creating an institutional culture where students develop a sense of belonging and feel included, which enhances the chances that they will persist until they complete their studies. Limitations of the study were noted and a number of recommendations for further studies were made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Webb, Theresa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Dropouts -- South Africa , College dropouts -- South Africa Academic achievement -- South Africa Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35874 , vital:33855
- Description: South Africa has seen remarkable growth in student numbers at universities since reforms were introduced with the advent of democracy in 1994. Enrolments have almost doubled in the past twenty years, yet South African Higher Education (HE) is characterised by high levels of failure and dropout, and an estimated 50 to 55% of each intake will never graduate. This is not only an indictment on HE institutions (HEIs), but also results in rising debt to the students and to society. In South Africa, student debt has increased at an alarming rate since 2012, whilst state funding has decreased. Students have advocated for education to be free. President Zuma announced in December 2017 that education for the poor would be free. It is not clear yet where the funding will come from, but it would not be from universities’ as their budgets are already thinly spread. The main aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to students dropping out of university in their final year of study, with some modules still outstanding. 360 final year students were identified as having less than 60% of their required credits left to complete their studies, but they had not re-registered and they were thus categorised as non-completing students or dropouts. An analysis of their biographical characteristics revealed that non-completing students were more likely studying for a diploma, male, ‘black’, and did not have English as a home language. Trends were also analysed across faculties and qualification types. In addition to the quantitative description of the biographical characteristics of the non-completing students, a further qualitative exploration was undertaken.Telephonic interviews were conducted with 65 of the non-completing students using a semi-structured interview schedule. The schedule consisted of four grand tour questions and various prompts to ascertain the reasons for students not completing their qualifications. The qualitative results revealed that financial, academic, health and personal problems were the main factors in Nelson Mandela University (NMU) final year undergraduate students’ decisions not to complete their studies. Other factors identified included taking up job opportunities and struggling to balance work and studies; along with factors related to the need for more flexible modes of delivery; and a more inclusive, caring, humanising institutional culture. If the 360 students with 60% or less of their required credits outstanding had graduated at NMU, the institution would have received approximately R8.6 million in subsidy income. In addition to the R8.6 million loss in subsidy income, there would also have been a considerable loss in fee income. Of these 360 non-completing students, 27 students had just one module outstanding. Had these 27 students with just one module outstanding been able to complete their outstanding module and graduate, the institution could have earned an approximate subsidy income of R767 667. The cost of the outstanding modules of these 27 students amounted to R111 070. This shows that the university could have reaped a substantial return on investment if these students could have been assisted to graduate. Based on these findings, a number of recommendations and suggestions were made to support students with the aim to assist the university to reduce the number of non-completing students and enable as many students as possible to complete their studies and graduate. These included having procedures in place for students to be able to take up their concerns with academics and faculty administration; implementing a system to track student progress and to institute interventions as soon as possible; greater flexibility in the delivery modes of modules, with increased online and distance learning possibilities for students who had only a few modules to complete; and creating an institutional culture where students develop a sense of belonging and feel included, which enhances the chances that they will persist until they complete their studies. Limitations of the study were noted and a number of recommendations for further studies were made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Happiness levels amongst South African Veterinarians
- Authors: Venter,Cordene
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Happiness , Job satisfaction , Veterinarians -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45745 , vital:38960
- Description: Happiness is a new field of study in various healthcare fields. Researchers indicated that although there are numerous studies investigating mental well-being amongst veterinarians, scientific research into happiness in veterinary medicine has not begun and that happiness levels of veterinarians are unknown. This treatise is the first known study examining the happiness levels of South African veterinarians and the implications that increased happiness levels can have for organisations who employ veterinarians. An in-depth literature review was conducted and the two main constructs of happiness – eudaimonia and hedonism were examined. Additionally, the three theories of happiness, namely set-point theory, social comparison theory and the affect theory were explored and the importance of happiness in the workplace was established. The literature further laid the foundation for the conceptual model that proposed influence in the workplace, social relationships, satisfaction with work-life balance, purpose, optimism, work satisfaction, work stress and leisure lead to happiness of South African veterinarians. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that veterinary practice owners can implement to increase the happiness levels of their veterinarians so that they can have social, financial and personal gain. encourage their employees to pursue leisure activities. Life coaches or industrial psychologists can be used to bridge the generational gap between veterinarians and to minimise interpersonal conflict. Moreover, managers need to have conversations with their employees to understand their needs and to help them achieve their professional goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Venter,Cordene
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Happiness , Job satisfaction , Veterinarians -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45745 , vital:38960
- Description: Happiness is a new field of study in various healthcare fields. Researchers indicated that although there are numerous studies investigating mental well-being amongst veterinarians, scientific research into happiness in veterinary medicine has not begun and that happiness levels of veterinarians are unknown. This treatise is the first known study examining the happiness levels of South African veterinarians and the implications that increased happiness levels can have for organisations who employ veterinarians. An in-depth literature review was conducted and the two main constructs of happiness – eudaimonia and hedonism were examined. Additionally, the three theories of happiness, namely set-point theory, social comparison theory and the affect theory were explored and the importance of happiness in the workplace was established. The literature further laid the foundation for the conceptual model that proposed influence in the workplace, social relationships, satisfaction with work-life balance, purpose, optimism, work satisfaction, work stress and leisure lead to happiness of South African veterinarians. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that veterinary practice owners can implement to increase the happiness levels of their veterinarians so that they can have social, financial and personal gain. encourage their employees to pursue leisure activities. Life coaches or industrial psychologists can be used to bridge the generational gap between veterinarians and to minimise interpersonal conflict. Moreover, managers need to have conversations with their employees to understand their needs and to help them achieve their professional goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Housing price volatility: exploring metropolitan property markets in South Africa
- Authors: Zwane, Reuben Mabutho
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Housing -- Prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21560 , vital:29554
- Description: This study analyses the housing price volatility in metropolitan areas in South Africa, particularly Port Elizabeth and East London residential housing markets. This study uses secondary statistical data, obtained from secondary sources. The study uses quarterly time series data for the period 1981:1 to 2015:3 giving 139 observations. The data will be collected from different sources. The main sources of data are real estate agencies (Trafalgar, Harcourts and Property24), the South African Department of Trade and Industry (dti) and supplemented by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The study shall use the ordinary least squares (OLS) method to estimate its results. Ordinarily, this is a generalised linear modelling technique that may be used to model a single response variable which has been recorded on at least an interval scale. This method requires that the underlying stochastic processes of the variables are stationary. That is, explanatory variables should exhibit constant means and variances over time. If the stochastic processes are not stationary, OLS produces unreliably significant coefficients. Results showed that household savings, household income and total growth in household buildings (TGH) are statistically significant in explaining changes in house prices. Jointly, all the explanatory variables can account for almost 52% of the changes in the dependent variable. The Durbin Watson statistic showed that there is no autocorrelation in the model. This shows that the model is good. Results from the regression show that there is a negative relationship between house prices and household savings. A one-unit increase in household savings leads to a 0.407 decrease in house prices. This relationship makes economic sense because when households save, there is less income available to buy houses. When there is less income available to buy houses, it would mean there is less demand for houses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Zwane, Reuben Mabutho
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Housing -- Prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21560 , vital:29554
- Description: This study analyses the housing price volatility in metropolitan areas in South Africa, particularly Port Elizabeth and East London residential housing markets. This study uses secondary statistical data, obtained from secondary sources. The study uses quarterly time series data for the period 1981:1 to 2015:3 giving 139 observations. The data will be collected from different sources. The main sources of data are real estate agencies (Trafalgar, Harcourts and Property24), the South African Department of Trade and Industry (dti) and supplemented by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The study shall use the ordinary least squares (OLS) method to estimate its results. Ordinarily, this is a generalised linear modelling technique that may be used to model a single response variable which has been recorded on at least an interval scale. This method requires that the underlying stochastic processes of the variables are stationary. That is, explanatory variables should exhibit constant means and variances over time. If the stochastic processes are not stationary, OLS produces unreliably significant coefficients. Results showed that household savings, household income and total growth in household buildings (TGH) are statistically significant in explaining changes in house prices. Jointly, all the explanatory variables can account for almost 52% of the changes in the dependent variable. The Durbin Watson statistic showed that there is no autocorrelation in the model. This shows that the model is good. Results from the regression show that there is a negative relationship between house prices and household savings. A one-unit increase in household savings leads to a 0.407 decrease in house prices. This relationship makes economic sense because when households save, there is less income available to buy houses. When there is less income available to buy houses, it would mean there is less demand for houses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Improving leadership development in the Eastern Cape Treasury: a succession planning and leadership development study
- Authors: Zuzile, Zikhona Siviwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Development leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Executive succession -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19575 , vital:28895
- Description: Leadership development is very important in business and much is often said about ‘growing’ leaders in business organisations. Leadership development cannot be achieved in one training course or programme, but should rather be an everyday practice of existing leaders. Leader development concentrates on individual leader development, enrichment or attainment of within-person competence while leadership development concentrates on relational development. This paper addresses and outlines how an all-inclusive method to leadership development and succession planning is needed for the employees of the Eastern Cape Treasury. It also looks at the willingness of the existing leadership in government to coach and mentor the youth of today to take on a leadership role when the current leaders exit the market. The head office in Bhisho for the Eastern Cape Treasury has 390 employees and in total, when combined with district offices around the Eastern Cape, there are 454. The questionnaire was sent out to 80 employees and 55 of those were filled and returned to the researcher. The targeted employees were those in the following positions: Administrative Officer, Assistant Director, Deputy Director, Director and Chief Director. The empirical results though showed that Autocratic Leadership and Satisfaction with Compensation Package had no correlation with Leadership development, whereas Organisational Culture, Senior Management Support and Participative Leadership Style showed positive correlation with Leadership development success. Implementing the recommendations might help with improving leadership development in the Provincial Treasury.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Zuzile, Zikhona Siviwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Development leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Executive succession -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19575 , vital:28895
- Description: Leadership development is very important in business and much is often said about ‘growing’ leaders in business organisations. Leadership development cannot be achieved in one training course or programme, but should rather be an everyday practice of existing leaders. Leader development concentrates on individual leader development, enrichment or attainment of within-person competence while leadership development concentrates on relational development. This paper addresses and outlines how an all-inclusive method to leadership development and succession planning is needed for the employees of the Eastern Cape Treasury. It also looks at the willingness of the existing leadership in government to coach and mentor the youth of today to take on a leadership role when the current leaders exit the market. The head office in Bhisho for the Eastern Cape Treasury has 390 employees and in total, when combined with district offices around the Eastern Cape, there are 454. The questionnaire was sent out to 80 employees and 55 of those were filled and returned to the researcher. The targeted employees were those in the following positions: Administrative Officer, Assistant Director, Deputy Director, Director and Chief Director. The empirical results though showed that Autocratic Leadership and Satisfaction with Compensation Package had no correlation with Leadership development, whereas Organisational Culture, Senior Management Support and Participative Leadership Style showed positive correlation with Leadership development success. Implementing the recommendations might help with improving leadership development in the Provincial Treasury.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Isolating the consumer determinants of choice when making a purchasing decision in a supplier company
- Authors: Williams, Rita Christine
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations , Customer services -- Management Consumer satisfaction -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36048 , vital:33885
- Description: The objective of this research was to establish the determinants of purchase choice by customers and to establish the modality of their decision-making process. The study was conducted at PerkinElmer a scientific equipment supplier company. PerkinElmer South Africa supplies equipment to industrial laboratories, academic laboratories and laboratories in government institutions. It has become clear to the researcher that understanding the customer and what their perceptions are is the key to business success. These insights would give the researcher the knowledge of important factors in the customer modality of purchase decisions. The literature review revealed that there are numerous factors that influences a customer buying decision namely: Customer relationships management, Unique selling proposition, the importance of salespeople, customer satisfaction levels, the brand name, Brand awareness, brand perception, brand loyalty, price, the service levels that the company provides after sale. The customer decision-making process and the various stages involved, an empirical study was conducted utilising in-depth interviews. The five main themes that were investigated through in-depth interviews were the following: Customer relationship management, brand, customer satisfaction levels, price, service. The factors were probed, analysed and compared and each customer’s preference was noted. The study employs a qualitative approach as this stance supports the researcher’s interest in the customer views and perceptions. A small sample was utilised from the scientific sector in the Eastern Cape and the Gauteng area. The empirical results indicated the importance of service support and if this is not in place it can mean the loss of future business. The customers in academia had the common view that the price is most important. The university policy forces the lowest priced equipment to be purchased. The respondents unanimously voiced their concerns regarding the expensiveness of PerkinElmer consumables.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Williams, Rita Christine
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations , Customer services -- Management Consumer satisfaction -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36048 , vital:33885
- Description: The objective of this research was to establish the determinants of purchase choice by customers and to establish the modality of their decision-making process. The study was conducted at PerkinElmer a scientific equipment supplier company. PerkinElmer South Africa supplies equipment to industrial laboratories, academic laboratories and laboratories in government institutions. It has become clear to the researcher that understanding the customer and what their perceptions are is the key to business success. These insights would give the researcher the knowledge of important factors in the customer modality of purchase decisions. The literature review revealed that there are numerous factors that influences a customer buying decision namely: Customer relationships management, Unique selling proposition, the importance of salespeople, customer satisfaction levels, the brand name, Brand awareness, brand perception, brand loyalty, price, the service levels that the company provides after sale. The customer decision-making process and the various stages involved, an empirical study was conducted utilising in-depth interviews. The five main themes that were investigated through in-depth interviews were the following: Customer relationship management, brand, customer satisfaction levels, price, service. The factors were probed, analysed and compared and each customer’s preference was noted. The study employs a qualitative approach as this stance supports the researcher’s interest in the customer views and perceptions. A small sample was utilised from the scientific sector in the Eastern Cape and the Gauteng area. The empirical results indicated the importance of service support and if this is not in place it can mean the loss of future business. The customers in academia had the common view that the price is most important. The university policy forces the lowest priced equipment to be purchased. The respondents unanimously voiced their concerns regarding the expensiveness of PerkinElmer consumables.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The impact of the ISO 9001:2015 on organisational change in South African organisations
- Authors: Pearson, Dean Warren
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organizational change -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa Organizational behavior -- South Africa Leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34476 , vital:33384
- Description: In order for organisations to grow and maintain their competitive advantage, change has become the norm. Quality management systems are increasingly being deployed as a means to maintain this advantage, and enhance the quality of product and service offerings. The implementation of the latest publication of ISO9001:2015 requires organisations to have a more holistic overview and understanding of leadership requirements, planning as well as the organisational context they operate in. A positivistic research paradigm, with a quantitative, explorative and deductive approach was used to conduct the study. The study explored the requirements of change in organisations implementing the latest publication of ISO9001:2015 within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. It aimed at exploring the relationship between selected demographic variables, and the variables of the study. Lastly, the relationship between organisational context, planning and leadership (independent variables) and organisational change (dependent variable) were explored. The sample comprised of 81 organisations that were based in the Eastern Cape having their quality management systems based on the ISO9001 structure. A structured questionnaire with a Cronbach‘s alpha of more than 0.8 was used to collect data and distributed to lower, middle and upper level managers within these selected organisations. The empirical results indicated that the variables under study were prevalent in the organisations currently ISO9001 certified and in the process of implementing the latest version of the standard. However, the sizes of the studied organisations were found to present the most noteworthy differences, highlighting the current and future requirements for successful organisational change. Recommendations related to the findings were made for managers, as well as for research, and industry. Ethical principles were maintained throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pearson, Dean Warren
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organizational change -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa Organizational behavior -- South Africa Leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34476 , vital:33384
- Description: In order for organisations to grow and maintain their competitive advantage, change has become the norm. Quality management systems are increasingly being deployed as a means to maintain this advantage, and enhance the quality of product and service offerings. The implementation of the latest publication of ISO9001:2015 requires organisations to have a more holistic overview and understanding of leadership requirements, planning as well as the organisational context they operate in. A positivistic research paradigm, with a quantitative, explorative and deductive approach was used to conduct the study. The study explored the requirements of change in organisations implementing the latest publication of ISO9001:2015 within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. It aimed at exploring the relationship between selected demographic variables, and the variables of the study. Lastly, the relationship between organisational context, planning and leadership (independent variables) and organisational change (dependent variable) were explored. The sample comprised of 81 organisations that were based in the Eastern Cape having their quality management systems based on the ISO9001 structure. A structured questionnaire with a Cronbach‘s alpha of more than 0.8 was used to collect data and distributed to lower, middle and upper level managers within these selected organisations. The empirical results indicated that the variables under study were prevalent in the organisations currently ISO9001 certified and in the process of implementing the latest version of the standard. However, the sizes of the studied organisations were found to present the most noteworthy differences, highlighting the current and future requirements for successful organisational change. Recommendations related to the findings were made for managers, as well as for research, and industry. Ethical principles were maintained throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The readiness of the South African private and public sector for the fourth industrial revolution
- Authors: Putzier, Mark Ludwig
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Technology and civilization , Sustainable development Artificial intelligence Industrial revolution
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17422 , vital:28332
- Description: The exponential growth of technology over the past few years led to it being given prime slot at the World Economic Forum held in Davos in January 2016, with Forum founder and executive chairman Klaus Schwab coining this potentially disruptive phenomenon as the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’. Since then, the term Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR) has gained ever increasing relevance and importance. Schwab (2016) emphasised that the world is on the edge of “a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work and relate to one another”; and that in the pure “scale, scope and complexity, the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before”. What is certain is that the FIR is predicted by many to impact significantly on jobs in the world as robotics; automation and artificial intelligence become more prolific. This shift will have a direct bearing on South Africa as well. With the challenges facing the country, such as infrastructure constraints, frequent industrial actions, rising costs and shortages of skills, the loss of further jobs should be of concern for government and the private sector alike. The outcomes of the in-depth analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study give credence to the argument that the manner in which planning for the future of the FIR in the South African context is taking place requires profound adjustments. The development of fresh insight through the application of futures studies is essential to this planning process, as is progressively evidenced in the tendency for present day business to make collaborative decisions and strategies that are founded on and informed by futures studies. This research has tried to gain insight into the possible future of the FIR in South Africa through the creation of four scenarios towards 2035. These are outlined as follows: The Fifth Element, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, to which the country aspires; Terminator, the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything goes bad; The Matrix, the outlier future based on a surprising, disruptive, emerging issue; and The Day the Earth Stood Still, in which no change takes place, making it ‘business as usual’. The research furthermore endeavoured to discover the preferred future for the FIR in a South African context, as a basis for the Future Vision of the FIR in South Africa towards 2035. All through this study, Inayatullah’s (2008) pillars of futures studies were applied as a guide in mapping the present and future, further deepening and broadening the future through the development of scenarios, and, finally, transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred. It is up to the South African public and private sectors to determine which path is to be followed in the decisions surrounding the embrace and acceptance of the FIR as the country moves towards progress and sustainable development. Through a novel and innovative methodology, the creation of an atmosphere of trust, and the sharing of purpose, values and benefits, a national Future Vision of the FIR in South Africa towards 2035 is attainable. All stakeholders have to commit to working in co-operative partnerships, with government, society, local communities and labour striding boldly together into a world of technological, commercial, environmental and social innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Putzier, Mark Ludwig
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Technology and civilization , Sustainable development Artificial intelligence Industrial revolution
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17422 , vital:28332
- Description: The exponential growth of technology over the past few years led to it being given prime slot at the World Economic Forum held in Davos in January 2016, with Forum founder and executive chairman Klaus Schwab coining this potentially disruptive phenomenon as the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’. Since then, the term Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR) has gained ever increasing relevance and importance. Schwab (2016) emphasised that the world is on the edge of “a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work and relate to one another”; and that in the pure “scale, scope and complexity, the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before”. What is certain is that the FIR is predicted by many to impact significantly on jobs in the world as robotics; automation and artificial intelligence become more prolific. This shift will have a direct bearing on South Africa as well. With the challenges facing the country, such as infrastructure constraints, frequent industrial actions, rising costs and shortages of skills, the loss of further jobs should be of concern for government and the private sector alike. The outcomes of the in-depth analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study give credence to the argument that the manner in which planning for the future of the FIR in the South African context is taking place requires profound adjustments. The development of fresh insight through the application of futures studies is essential to this planning process, as is progressively evidenced in the tendency for present day business to make collaborative decisions and strategies that are founded on and informed by futures studies. This research has tried to gain insight into the possible future of the FIR in South Africa through the creation of four scenarios towards 2035. These are outlined as follows: The Fifth Element, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, to which the country aspires; Terminator, the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything goes bad; The Matrix, the outlier future based on a surprising, disruptive, emerging issue; and The Day the Earth Stood Still, in which no change takes place, making it ‘business as usual’. The research furthermore endeavoured to discover the preferred future for the FIR in a South African context, as a basis for the Future Vision of the FIR in South Africa towards 2035. All through this study, Inayatullah’s (2008) pillars of futures studies were applied as a guide in mapping the present and future, further deepening and broadening the future through the development of scenarios, and, finally, transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred. It is up to the South African public and private sectors to determine which path is to be followed in the decisions surrounding the embrace and acceptance of the FIR as the country moves towards progress and sustainable development. Through a novel and innovative methodology, the creation of an atmosphere of trust, and the sharing of purpose, values and benefits, a national Future Vision of the FIR in South Africa towards 2035 is attainable. All stakeholders have to commit to working in co-operative partnerships, with government, society, local communities and labour striding boldly together into a world of technological, commercial, environmental and social innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The scalability of small and medium enterprises in South Africa
- Authors: Augustyn, Wesley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Management , Business planning -- South Africa Corporations -- South Africa -- Growth Success in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21516 , vital:29532
- Description: It has long been recognised that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) account for an overwhelming part of businesses worldwide and that they contribute considerably to private sector Gross Domestic Product (GDP), growth and are the source for most new employment opportunities. It may therefore be postulated that scaling and growing SMEs are of notable importance to the economic wealth of the country and to this extent it eliminates economic stagnation. This treatise argues the significant impact that entrepreneurship exerts on the South African economy. This would allow the role players to identify the strategic interventions necessary to grow and scale SMEs. A literature review was conducted to develop insights on the factors that affect the scalability of SMEs. The aforementioned section expounds on the concept of SMEs. Secondly, the emergence of SMEs across developed and emerging economies is discussed by exploring the United States of America, Europe and the BRICS economies respectively. Thirdly, SMEs in the South African context are explored. Fourthly, the requirements and challenges of SMEs in the South African economy are highlighted. The primary data for this study were collected from the sample by means of an online questionnaire and through fieldworkers who were deployed to collect responses from the sample group. A representative sample of n = 295 responses were received. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data in a way to simplify the interpretation of the data. Inferential statistics were used to authenticate conclusions made from the data. The model was developed and identified the following factors as exerting influence on the scalability of SMEs: Access to Finance, Access to Markets and Access to Human Capital, Entrepreneurial Intention, Regulatory Framework, Business Support and Networks. The average mean values of the factors were then used to establish their position or ranking as determined from the responses received. All factors ranked above a mean value of 3 which indicates that SMEs have a neutral to positive opinion of the factors identified in the model. According to a one-tailed t-test from the sample of SMEs it was shown that two of the nine factors had a large effect size in the factors of Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Intention. The Scalability of SMEs’ model developed in this study specified the factors that influence the growth of SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Augustyn, Wesley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Management , Business planning -- South Africa Corporations -- South Africa -- Growth Success in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21516 , vital:29532
- Description: It has long been recognised that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) account for an overwhelming part of businesses worldwide and that they contribute considerably to private sector Gross Domestic Product (GDP), growth and are the source for most new employment opportunities. It may therefore be postulated that scaling and growing SMEs are of notable importance to the economic wealth of the country and to this extent it eliminates economic stagnation. This treatise argues the significant impact that entrepreneurship exerts on the South African economy. This would allow the role players to identify the strategic interventions necessary to grow and scale SMEs. A literature review was conducted to develop insights on the factors that affect the scalability of SMEs. The aforementioned section expounds on the concept of SMEs. Secondly, the emergence of SMEs across developed and emerging economies is discussed by exploring the United States of America, Europe and the BRICS economies respectively. Thirdly, SMEs in the South African context are explored. Fourthly, the requirements and challenges of SMEs in the South African economy are highlighted. The primary data for this study were collected from the sample by means of an online questionnaire and through fieldworkers who were deployed to collect responses from the sample group. A representative sample of n = 295 responses were received. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data in a way to simplify the interpretation of the data. Inferential statistics were used to authenticate conclusions made from the data. The model was developed and identified the following factors as exerting influence on the scalability of SMEs: Access to Finance, Access to Markets and Access to Human Capital, Entrepreneurial Intention, Regulatory Framework, Business Support and Networks. The average mean values of the factors were then used to establish their position or ranking as determined from the responses received. All factors ranked above a mean value of 3 which indicates that SMEs have a neutral to positive opinion of the factors identified in the model. According to a one-tailed t-test from the sample of SMEs it was shown that two of the nine factors had a large effect size in the factors of Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Intention. The Scalability of SMEs’ model developed in this study specified the factors that influence the growth of SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The viability of mobile payments across South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria
- Authors: Wentzel, Bradley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mobile commerce -- Africa , Banks and banking --Technological innovations -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45756 , vital:38961
- Description: As the global accessibility to the internet and mobile data and cellular systems is on the rise, the ability for the use of mobile devices in order to facilitate banking and to make payment across the African continent will increase. The question is then asked as to whether the African continent is ready for this technology and if it is not at this stage, will this ability to transact with a bank and a trusted method of payment ever be an option in Africa? This needs to be analysed and critically studied to determine whether Africa must invest in this technology and if so, when and how this investment should take place. The ability for the regular African consumer to access the wealth of knowledge that abounds over the internet is critical in order for the new mobile payment initiative to be a success. Education, infrastructure and ability to access this available technology will have long reaching effects in bringing Africa to the forefront in the global economy, while a move away from corporeal and historic tenders such as bartering systems, precious metals or cash, will be something new to the African continent and will need to be explored separately. In this study we will assess the readiness of the top three African economies, namely South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria of their current abilities to facilitate this technology and the barriers to entries and possible remedies to those if this is not the case.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Wentzel, Bradley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mobile commerce -- Africa , Banks and banking --Technological innovations -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45756 , vital:38961
- Description: As the global accessibility to the internet and mobile data and cellular systems is on the rise, the ability for the use of mobile devices in order to facilitate banking and to make payment across the African continent will increase. The question is then asked as to whether the African continent is ready for this technology and if it is not at this stage, will this ability to transact with a bank and a trusted method of payment ever be an option in Africa? This needs to be analysed and critically studied to determine whether Africa must invest in this technology and if so, when and how this investment should take place. The ability for the regular African consumer to access the wealth of knowledge that abounds over the internet is critical in order for the new mobile payment initiative to be a success. Education, infrastructure and ability to access this available technology will have long reaching effects in bringing Africa to the forefront in the global economy, while a move away from corporeal and historic tenders such as bartering systems, precious metals or cash, will be something new to the African continent and will need to be explored separately. In this study we will assess the readiness of the top three African economies, namely South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria of their current abilities to facilitate this technology and the barriers to entries and possible remedies to those if this is not the case.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Why municipalities do not comply and implement expanded public works programmes: a case study of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa
- Jikwana, Mvumelwano Valithuba
- Authors: Jikwana, Mvumelwano Valithuba
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22486 , vital:29975
- Description: The Expanded public works programme (EPWP) was a South African government initiative that was meant to fight poverty, reduce unemployment and develop skills for young people, women and people with disabilities. EPWP was to be implemented by the national, provincial and local governments in order to alleviate poverty and increase economic growth. The programme started with phase 1 in April 2004, where the objective was to create a minimum of 1 million job opportunities by March 2009. The target was achieved by the South African government, but many municipalities faced challenges as they were struggling to meet their own targets. EPWP phase 2 started in April 2009, where the target of creating 4.5 million work opportunities was set and it was meant to end in March 2014. Phase 3 was scheduled to start in April 2014 to March 2019. Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) is a metropolitan municipality, which should implement EPWP, and it consists of the towns of East London, King Williams Town and Bisho. BCMM council accepted the EPWP structure in the financial year 2013/14, charging the Programme Manager to lead the EPWP unit, consisting of a single office to implement the programme. The municipality faced many challenges, in failing to meet the targets set by the National Department of Public Works (NDPW). These challenges include: the lack of political and administration commitment towards EPWP, lack of proper EPWP training and lack of accountability from Senior Management. Other challenges facing BCMM include: a lack of data capturers to consolidate EPWP information, lack of qualifies people to design and implement labour intensive projects and the shortage of staff within the EPWP unit, which was meant to support all departments. If the municipality can overcome all the challenges, the set targets can be met, unemployment can be reduced and poverty can be alleviated. There is an urgent need for the Mayor and Municipal Manager to commit themselves toward the full implementation of EPWP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Jikwana, Mvumelwano Valithuba
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22486 , vital:29975
- Description: The Expanded public works programme (EPWP) was a South African government initiative that was meant to fight poverty, reduce unemployment and develop skills for young people, women and people with disabilities. EPWP was to be implemented by the national, provincial and local governments in order to alleviate poverty and increase economic growth. The programme started with phase 1 in April 2004, where the objective was to create a minimum of 1 million job opportunities by March 2009. The target was achieved by the South African government, but many municipalities faced challenges as they were struggling to meet their own targets. EPWP phase 2 started in April 2009, where the target of creating 4.5 million work opportunities was set and it was meant to end in March 2014. Phase 3 was scheduled to start in April 2014 to March 2019. Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) is a metropolitan municipality, which should implement EPWP, and it consists of the towns of East London, King Williams Town and Bisho. BCMM council accepted the EPWP structure in the financial year 2013/14, charging the Programme Manager to lead the EPWP unit, consisting of a single office to implement the programme. The municipality faced many challenges, in failing to meet the targets set by the National Department of Public Works (NDPW). These challenges include: the lack of political and administration commitment towards EPWP, lack of proper EPWP training and lack of accountability from Senior Management. Other challenges facing BCMM include: a lack of data capturers to consolidate EPWP information, lack of qualifies people to design and implement labour intensive projects and the shortage of staff within the EPWP unit, which was meant to support all departments. If the municipality can overcome all the challenges, the set targets can be met, unemployment can be reduced and poverty can be alleviated. There is an urgent need for the Mayor and Municipal Manager to commit themselves toward the full implementation of EPWP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
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