The development of a recommended digital marketing strategy for Pan Macmillan, South Africa
- Authors: Conradie, Tessa Jane
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021247
- Description: This research attempts to create a recommended digital marketing strategy for Pan Macmillan, South Africa. As a result of the advance of technology and the increase of connectivity, digital marketing is becoming a highly important tool with regards to competitive advantage, differentiation and the overall marketing of a company and its product or service (Barwise and Farley, 2005, p. 68). Digital marketing is, in South Africa specifically, a relatively new concept (Sandmann, 2014, p. 1). If South African companies are able to efficiently utilise the gap in the market, they will ensure a significant competitive advantage (Sandmann, 2013, p. 1). In order to accomplish this successfully a digital marketing strategy must be created and adopted to ensure a full understanding of the requirements of effective digital marketing. This research focusses on understanding digital marketing requirements in relation to a South African book publisher and how those requirements can be met by the publisher through the development of a digital marketing strategy. The literature has been reviewed and previous research indicates that an established framework is needed to guide the development of a digital marketing strategy. The framework used in this research is the RACE framework (Chaffey and Bosomworth, 2013, p. 14) which is used in conjunction to the SOSTAC planning system (Chaffey and Bosomworth, 2014, p. 11) and the 7 steps to digital marketing strategy creation (Chaffey and Bosomworth, 2014, p. 2). The literature suggests that a combination of the established traditional marketing strategy of a company and current digital marketing practices and tools is the most practical with regards to the development of a successful digital marketing strategy, implementation and evaluation. In order to understand the current marketing strategy and practices of Pan Macmillan, interviews with the Marketing Manager of the company were conducted as well as an analysis of marketing documents relating to Pan Macmillan’s current marketing actions. Results of the interviews and documentation analysis showed that Pan Macmillan had many elements digital marketing but no decisive digital marketing strategy. Using the selected frameworks and information gathered on the company’s marketing practices, digital marketing goals were established and a digital marketing strategy was created. The goals of the research were reached as a recommended digital marketing strategy was developed for Pan Macmillan based on the assessment made, using RACE, SOSTAC and the 7 steps to digital marketing creation, of the company’s current practices, challenges and opportunities with regards to digital marketing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Conradie, Tessa Jane
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021247
- Description: This research attempts to create a recommended digital marketing strategy for Pan Macmillan, South Africa. As a result of the advance of technology and the increase of connectivity, digital marketing is becoming a highly important tool with regards to competitive advantage, differentiation and the overall marketing of a company and its product or service (Barwise and Farley, 2005, p. 68). Digital marketing is, in South Africa specifically, a relatively new concept (Sandmann, 2014, p. 1). If South African companies are able to efficiently utilise the gap in the market, they will ensure a significant competitive advantage (Sandmann, 2013, p. 1). In order to accomplish this successfully a digital marketing strategy must be created and adopted to ensure a full understanding of the requirements of effective digital marketing. This research focusses on understanding digital marketing requirements in relation to a South African book publisher and how those requirements can be met by the publisher through the development of a digital marketing strategy. The literature has been reviewed and previous research indicates that an established framework is needed to guide the development of a digital marketing strategy. The framework used in this research is the RACE framework (Chaffey and Bosomworth, 2013, p. 14) which is used in conjunction to the SOSTAC planning system (Chaffey and Bosomworth, 2014, p. 11) and the 7 steps to digital marketing strategy creation (Chaffey and Bosomworth, 2014, p. 2). The literature suggests that a combination of the established traditional marketing strategy of a company and current digital marketing practices and tools is the most practical with regards to the development of a successful digital marketing strategy, implementation and evaluation. In order to understand the current marketing strategy and practices of Pan Macmillan, interviews with the Marketing Manager of the company were conducted as well as an analysis of marketing documents relating to Pan Macmillan’s current marketing actions. Results of the interviews and documentation analysis showed that Pan Macmillan had many elements digital marketing but no decisive digital marketing strategy. Using the selected frameworks and information gathered on the company’s marketing practices, digital marketing goals were established and a digital marketing strategy was created. The goals of the research were reached as a recommended digital marketing strategy was developed for Pan Macmillan based on the assessment made, using RACE, SOSTAC and the 7 steps to digital marketing creation, of the company’s current practices, challenges and opportunities with regards to digital marketing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The interface between financial management and marketing management in South African businesses
- Authors: McLaren, Joseph Ignatius
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Marketing -- South Africa -- Management , Finance -- South Africa -- Management , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021111
- Description: This study investigates the interface between financial and marketing management in South African businesses by investigating the financial and marketing-management processes. This process orientation highlighted important interactions between the two functions. A critical analysis of secondary resources produced a clear theoretical foundation on which the development of the proposed interface framework was based. The critical literature analysis indicates four steps in the financial management process, namely, financial analysis, financial decision-making, financial planning and financial control (independent variables) and five steps in the marketing management process, namely, understanding the marketplace as well as customer needs and wants, designing a customer-driven marketing strategy, constructing an integrated marketing programme, building profitable relationships and capturing value from customers in the form of profits and customer equity. These steps were used to derive a proposed theoretical framework that shows how the steps in the financial-management process relate to those in the marketing-management process. The framework also indicates the perceptions of managers on the interface between the two functions. The perceptions on the interface include aspects such as the level of communication between the two departments, the understanding of each other‟s function and the flow of information between the two departments. From this framework, the six hypotheses were formulated to test the proposed relationships. The focus of the study is on the interface between financial management and marketing management; therefore, the population of this study comprised of financial and marketing managers in South Africa. The primary data relating to the interface between financial management and marketing management was acquired by means of an on-line web-based survey. Descriptive statistics was used to present, analyse and interpret the results of the data analysis. Various inferential statistical techniques (T-tests and chi-squared tests) were employed to determine whether respondents‟ perceptions of the items in the measuring instrument differed as result of whether they were employed in the finance or marketing sections of the business. Correlations (Pearson Product Moment correlations) were calculated for the purpose of investigating the relationships between the financial and marketing management variables used in this study. Factor analysis showed that financial management consisted of four factors that corresponded with the steps in the process, and marketing management produced five factors that related to the steps in the marketing management process. Lastly, statistical tests (MANOVA) were conducted to determine whether the perceptions of respondents, with regard to the financial and marketing management variables, were influenced by selected demographic variables. The results of the empirical study indicated positive relationships between all the variables in the framework. The marketing management factors, namely, mix and profit, reported the lowest correlations compared to the financial management factors. It was also found that financial and marketing managers had different perceptions of the steps in the financial-management process but that they did not have different views of the steps in the marketing-management process. Furthermore, financial and marketing managers had different opinions about the long-term perspective of the business as well as conflicting views with regard to the flow of information from finance to marketing. Financial managers were of the opinion that marketing managers did not understand financial methods and procedures and were unable to specify their requirements to finance. The proposed framework could be seen as the start of marketing theory development on finance interaction as it showed that interface relationships could be further explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: McLaren, Joseph Ignatius
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Marketing -- South Africa -- Management , Finance -- South Africa -- Management , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021111
- Description: This study investigates the interface between financial and marketing management in South African businesses by investigating the financial and marketing-management processes. This process orientation highlighted important interactions between the two functions. A critical analysis of secondary resources produced a clear theoretical foundation on which the development of the proposed interface framework was based. The critical literature analysis indicates four steps in the financial management process, namely, financial analysis, financial decision-making, financial planning and financial control (independent variables) and five steps in the marketing management process, namely, understanding the marketplace as well as customer needs and wants, designing a customer-driven marketing strategy, constructing an integrated marketing programme, building profitable relationships and capturing value from customers in the form of profits and customer equity. These steps were used to derive a proposed theoretical framework that shows how the steps in the financial-management process relate to those in the marketing-management process. The framework also indicates the perceptions of managers on the interface between the two functions. The perceptions on the interface include aspects such as the level of communication between the two departments, the understanding of each other‟s function and the flow of information between the two departments. From this framework, the six hypotheses were formulated to test the proposed relationships. The focus of the study is on the interface between financial management and marketing management; therefore, the population of this study comprised of financial and marketing managers in South Africa. The primary data relating to the interface between financial management and marketing management was acquired by means of an on-line web-based survey. Descriptive statistics was used to present, analyse and interpret the results of the data analysis. Various inferential statistical techniques (T-tests and chi-squared tests) were employed to determine whether respondents‟ perceptions of the items in the measuring instrument differed as result of whether they were employed in the finance or marketing sections of the business. Correlations (Pearson Product Moment correlations) were calculated for the purpose of investigating the relationships between the financial and marketing management variables used in this study. Factor analysis showed that financial management consisted of four factors that corresponded with the steps in the process, and marketing management produced five factors that related to the steps in the marketing management process. Lastly, statistical tests (MANOVA) were conducted to determine whether the perceptions of respondents, with regard to the financial and marketing management variables, were influenced by selected demographic variables. The results of the empirical study indicated positive relationships between all the variables in the framework. The marketing management factors, namely, mix and profit, reported the lowest correlations compared to the financial management factors. It was also found that financial and marketing managers had different perceptions of the steps in the financial-management process but that they did not have different views of the steps in the marketing-management process. Furthermore, financial and marketing managers had different opinions about the long-term perspective of the business as well as conflicting views with regard to the flow of information from finance to marketing. Financial managers were of the opinion that marketing managers did not understand financial methods and procedures and were unable to specify their requirements to finance. The proposed framework could be seen as the start of marketing theory development on finance interaction as it showed that interface relationships could be further explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Difficulties experienced by small business managers in marketing their businesses
- Authors: Kpalou, Jean-Yves Gaba
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Marketing , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9016 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018635
- Description: The small business sector in today‘s world is considered seriously by researchers, scholars, policy-makers and governments as an important answer in addressing problems of unemployment, poverty alleviation, and redistribution of wealth. Promoting and encouraging the development of the small business sector is without any doubt a key factor for economic growth. However, this sector faced a high rate of businesses failure due to the many challenges among them, for example, the lack of marketing strategy and implementation in the conduct of the business. Several researches show the important role of marketing in a business but unfortunately it is still not a strong component in many organisations especially within the small business sector.For this reason the aim of this study was to investigate the difficulties experienced by small business managers in marketing their businesses. Taking the aim of this study into consideration, the primary objectives were to firstly look at the practice of marketing in small businesses and secondly to identify the difficulties of marketing experienced by small business managers.The literature study provided a brief overview of the small business sector, followed by a presentation of the practice of marketing in an organisation especially within small business enterprises. Moreover a discussion of the difficulties experienced by small business managers in marketing their businesses was also addressed through the literature review. The literature classified those difficulties into two types; (a)internal factors (lack of marketing planning and strategy, cost of marketing, lack of marketing expertise, perception of marketing) and (b) external factors (lack of knowledge of the market environment).The empirical study was conducted to evaluate the practice of marketing in small businesses and to see what marketing difficulties were experienced by small business owners and/or managers. Data were collected by means of a survey, using a questionnaire. Respondents were identified using the snowball sampling technique through the database of the Nelson Mandela Bay Chamber of Commerce. The data gathered from 67 usable questionnaires were analysed and interpreted. The results of the empirical study revealed that the biggest problems experienced by small business managers in the sample were the heavy cost of marketing followed by the lack of marketing expertise and finally the lack of marketing segmentation strategy. This study contributes to the enhancement of the literature on small business marketing with a focus on the difficulties experienced by owners and/or managers in implementing marketing. As a result this study presents recommendations and suggestions to assist managers in marketing their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kpalou, Jean-Yves Gaba
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Marketing , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9016 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018635
- Description: The small business sector in today‘s world is considered seriously by researchers, scholars, policy-makers and governments as an important answer in addressing problems of unemployment, poverty alleviation, and redistribution of wealth. Promoting and encouraging the development of the small business sector is without any doubt a key factor for economic growth. However, this sector faced a high rate of businesses failure due to the many challenges among them, for example, the lack of marketing strategy and implementation in the conduct of the business. Several researches show the important role of marketing in a business but unfortunately it is still not a strong component in many organisations especially within the small business sector.For this reason the aim of this study was to investigate the difficulties experienced by small business managers in marketing their businesses. Taking the aim of this study into consideration, the primary objectives were to firstly look at the practice of marketing in small businesses and secondly to identify the difficulties of marketing experienced by small business managers.The literature study provided a brief overview of the small business sector, followed by a presentation of the practice of marketing in an organisation especially within small business enterprises. Moreover a discussion of the difficulties experienced by small business managers in marketing their businesses was also addressed through the literature review. The literature classified those difficulties into two types; (a)internal factors (lack of marketing planning and strategy, cost of marketing, lack of marketing expertise, perception of marketing) and (b) external factors (lack of knowledge of the market environment).The empirical study was conducted to evaluate the practice of marketing in small businesses and to see what marketing difficulties were experienced by small business owners and/or managers. Data were collected by means of a survey, using a questionnaire. Respondents were identified using the snowball sampling technique through the database of the Nelson Mandela Bay Chamber of Commerce. The data gathered from 67 usable questionnaires were analysed and interpreted. The results of the empirical study revealed that the biggest problems experienced by small business managers in the sample were the heavy cost of marketing followed by the lack of marketing expertise and finally the lack of marketing segmentation strategy. This study contributes to the enhancement of the literature on small business marketing with a focus on the difficulties experienced by owners and/or managers in implementing marketing. As a result this study presents recommendations and suggestions to assist managers in marketing their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An assessment of the nature and implementation of markerting strategies of selected Eastern Cape Non-Government Organisations
- Authors: Madinda, Ncumisa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8849 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020114
- Description: This dissertation is an assessment of the nature and implementation of marketing strategies of selected Eastern Cape non-government organisations. Poverty alleviation and service delivery remain the major focus of the South African government, after nineteen years of democracy (post-apartheid era). One of the civil societies that is key in working with the government in alleviating poverty and looking after the interests of the poor and marginalised individuals within the society is non-government organisations (NGOs). NGOs are organisations that are voluntary, independent, not-for-profit, and not self-serving in aims and related values. In August 1995, NGOs moved very quickly to establish the South African NGO Coalition (Sangoco). This was as a result of the Non-Profit Organisations Act 1997. Government reorganised the political environment for NGOs. They were provided with access to the fourth chamber of the National Economic Labour and Development Council, - the country's premier corporatist-style consensus-building agency, - on condition that such representation occurs through a single body. Sangoco now serves as a representative umbrella body for approximately 6,000 affiliated NGOs. Sangoco's primary role is that of advancing the interests of the poor. It is also concerned with developing an enabling environment for the NGO sector and providing an arena for mutual monitoring. Even though the Non-Profit Organisations Act opened the doors for NGOs to raise funds freely and also obtain allowances from the government, the bureaucratisation and commercialisation of NGOs made it almost impossible to access these funds, hence, most NGOs today are closing down. A literature review was conducted to determine what theory reveals about strategic marketing for profit organisations. Furthermore, how the marketing principles that are used in businesses can be implemented to ensure sustainability of non-profit organisations. The empirical study was conducted through questionnaires and interviews with the management of the NGOs. In Chapter 4 of this study findings are presented and in Chapter 5 recommendations are made. Further studies can be conducted to determine some of the areas that the NGOs can improve on, in order to run an effective and efficient non-profit organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Madinda, Ncumisa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8849 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020114
- Description: This dissertation is an assessment of the nature and implementation of marketing strategies of selected Eastern Cape non-government organisations. Poverty alleviation and service delivery remain the major focus of the South African government, after nineteen years of democracy (post-apartheid era). One of the civil societies that is key in working with the government in alleviating poverty and looking after the interests of the poor and marginalised individuals within the society is non-government organisations (NGOs). NGOs are organisations that are voluntary, independent, not-for-profit, and not self-serving in aims and related values. In August 1995, NGOs moved very quickly to establish the South African NGO Coalition (Sangoco). This was as a result of the Non-Profit Organisations Act 1997. Government reorganised the political environment for NGOs. They were provided with access to the fourth chamber of the National Economic Labour and Development Council, - the country's premier corporatist-style consensus-building agency, - on condition that such representation occurs through a single body. Sangoco now serves as a representative umbrella body for approximately 6,000 affiliated NGOs. Sangoco's primary role is that of advancing the interests of the poor. It is also concerned with developing an enabling environment for the NGO sector and providing an arena for mutual monitoring. Even though the Non-Profit Organisations Act opened the doors for NGOs to raise funds freely and also obtain allowances from the government, the bureaucratisation and commercialisation of NGOs made it almost impossible to access these funds, hence, most NGOs today are closing down. A literature review was conducted to determine what theory reveals about strategic marketing for profit organisations. Furthermore, how the marketing principles that are used in businesses can be implemented to ensure sustainability of non-profit organisations. The empirical study was conducted through questionnaires and interviews with the management of the NGOs. In Chapter 4 of this study findings are presented and in Chapter 5 recommendations are made. Further studies can be conducted to determine some of the areas that the NGOs can improve on, in order to run an effective and efficient non-profit organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Management and performance indicators of micro-finance institutions in Uganda
- Authors: Milly, Kwagala
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Microfinance -- Uganda , Financial institutions -- Uganda -- Management , Management , Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9273 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1641 , Microfinance -- Uganda , Financial institutions -- Uganda -- Management , Management , Performance standards
- Description: The purpose of this study is to examine how the management of micro-finance institutions in Uganda has affected the performance indicators of these institutions, and whether or not the management of these institutions is responsible for their failure. The need to carry out this study arose as micro-finance institutions in Uganda failed to attain their planned performance indicators, to such a degree that most of them closed down. Although at their inception there was considerable entrepreneurial activity supported by a highly favourable government policy environment, their closure soon after establishment raised concern as to what caused them to fail. This study was encouraged by the observation that most of these institutions failed to realise their performance indicators as planned, but the underlying cause was not clear. Thus, the study focuses on establishing stakeholder perceptions of the management of the micro-finance institutions, and the relationship between their management (planning, implementation of planned programmes, and control) and their performance indicators, following the rationale of the functional and contingency paradigms of the concept of management. The study examines the way management dealt with these institutions‟ internal and external environments to influence their ability to realise their planned performance. The study is conducted using positivistic research methodology. This involved a collection of quantitative data from a sample of 454 respondents, including 64 managers, 177 employees, and 213 clients. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data, and purposive and convenience sampling were applied to select the respondents. The respondents were selected from 56 randomly selected micro-finance institutions operating in Central Uganda and representing 75 percent of the country‟s operational institutions by December 2009. The data were analysed using the narrative, chi-square test, the ANOVA, factor analysis, and correlation and regression methods of analysis aided by the SPSS programme. The findings show that 79.2 percent of stakeholders (managers, employees, and clients) perceived that the management of their institutions was not conducted well in terms of planning, plan implementation, and control. Eighty-one (81) percent of both managers and employees and 83.4 percent of clients held the perception that the institutions failed xvi to achieve their performance indicators as planned. Furthermore, 81.7 percent of both managers and employees described their institutions‟ internal environment as largely defined by unsatisfactory supervision, and 66.9 percent of them revealed that their institutions‟ external environment was defined by family relations. These relations adversely affected the ownership, decision-making, employee recruitment, and deployment in the institutions. The findings also show that there were significant positive but weak relationships between management (planning, implementation, control, and dealing with the internal environment and the impact of the external environment) and the performance indicators of the institutions. The management of the institutions realised only 24.8 percent of their predicted performance indicators. Of the 13 null hypotheses that were formulated for this study, seven were rejected and the alternative hypotheses were accepted, while six were accepted. All the dimensions of the management of the micro-finance institutions in Uganda need to be developed if the performance of the institutions is to be improved and sustained to desired levels. It is suggested that large performance improvements will be realised by ameliorating all the dimensions of the institutions' management, while placing more emphasis on improving the following dimensions: the organisation of the institutions; the managing of their internal environment and the impact of their external environment; the conduct of their internal concurrent control; and the planning of their performance indicators and marketing, involving all the stakeholders, in particular the managers, employees, clients, Government, and the Uganda Micro-finance Forum, where necessary. Further research is recommended into other factors affecting the performance indicators of the institutions, since none of the management functions had explained them properly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Milly, Kwagala
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Microfinance -- Uganda , Financial institutions -- Uganda -- Management , Management , Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9273 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1641 , Microfinance -- Uganda , Financial institutions -- Uganda -- Management , Management , Performance standards
- Description: The purpose of this study is to examine how the management of micro-finance institutions in Uganda has affected the performance indicators of these institutions, and whether or not the management of these institutions is responsible for their failure. The need to carry out this study arose as micro-finance institutions in Uganda failed to attain their planned performance indicators, to such a degree that most of them closed down. Although at their inception there was considerable entrepreneurial activity supported by a highly favourable government policy environment, their closure soon after establishment raised concern as to what caused them to fail. This study was encouraged by the observation that most of these institutions failed to realise their performance indicators as planned, but the underlying cause was not clear. Thus, the study focuses on establishing stakeholder perceptions of the management of the micro-finance institutions, and the relationship between their management (planning, implementation of planned programmes, and control) and their performance indicators, following the rationale of the functional and contingency paradigms of the concept of management. The study examines the way management dealt with these institutions‟ internal and external environments to influence their ability to realise their planned performance. The study is conducted using positivistic research methodology. This involved a collection of quantitative data from a sample of 454 respondents, including 64 managers, 177 employees, and 213 clients. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data, and purposive and convenience sampling were applied to select the respondents. The respondents were selected from 56 randomly selected micro-finance institutions operating in Central Uganda and representing 75 percent of the country‟s operational institutions by December 2009. The data were analysed using the narrative, chi-square test, the ANOVA, factor analysis, and correlation and regression methods of analysis aided by the SPSS programme. The findings show that 79.2 percent of stakeholders (managers, employees, and clients) perceived that the management of their institutions was not conducted well in terms of planning, plan implementation, and control. Eighty-one (81) percent of both managers and employees and 83.4 percent of clients held the perception that the institutions failed xvi to achieve their performance indicators as planned. Furthermore, 81.7 percent of both managers and employees described their institutions‟ internal environment as largely defined by unsatisfactory supervision, and 66.9 percent of them revealed that their institutions‟ external environment was defined by family relations. These relations adversely affected the ownership, decision-making, employee recruitment, and deployment in the institutions. The findings also show that there were significant positive but weak relationships between management (planning, implementation, control, and dealing with the internal environment and the impact of the external environment) and the performance indicators of the institutions. The management of the institutions realised only 24.8 percent of their predicted performance indicators. Of the 13 null hypotheses that were formulated for this study, seven were rejected and the alternative hypotheses were accepted, while six were accepted. All the dimensions of the management of the micro-finance institutions in Uganda need to be developed if the performance of the institutions is to be improved and sustained to desired levels. It is suggested that large performance improvements will be realised by ameliorating all the dimensions of the institutions' management, while placing more emphasis on improving the following dimensions: the organisation of the institutions; the managing of their internal environment and the impact of their external environment; the conduct of their internal concurrent control; and the planning of their performance indicators and marketing, involving all the stakeholders, in particular the managers, employees, clients, Government, and the Uganda Micro-finance Forum, where necessary. Further research is recommended into other factors affecting the performance indicators of the institutions, since none of the management functions had explained them properly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An investigation into the relationship marketing strategies applied by Eastern Cape based travel agents
- Authors: Fisher, Gary
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Relationship marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Travel agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Marketing)
- Identifier: vital:10766 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/251 , Relationship marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Travel agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Relationship marketing has grown in importance. This growth affects all industries, including the tourism, hospitality and travel industry. Of particular importance is the bond of relationship marketing between suppliers (principals) and retailers (travel agents) in the distribution channel. The research was undertaken to: determine whether Eastern Cape travel agents perceive relationship marketing as important; establish, what the key elements of relationship marketing strategies are,according to literature; determine what marketing strategies are currently applied by Eastern Cape travel agents; provide guidelines to Eastern Cape travel agents to implement or improve their relationship marketing strategies. Fifty self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the entire population of travel agents in the Eastern Cape. A total of 30 travel agents responded. The empirical findings showed that: Most Eastern Cape travel agents perceived relationship marketing as important; Travel agents realized the importance of the management of such relationship marketing strategies; Most travel agents were aware of or used retention strategies to enhance relationship marketing strategies; Travel agents realized that to survive relationship marketing should be part of their future planning; All respondents believed that to successfully implement relationship marketing, all staff, from front-line to top-management, need to be committed to the programme. In conclusion, relationship marketing is growing in importance and all role players need to acknowledge and manage this trend. However, this research has shown that there is a paradigm shift as more travel agents are moving away from the traditional marketing to relationship marketing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Fisher, Gary
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Relationship marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Travel agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Marketing)
- Identifier: vital:10766 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/251 , Relationship marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Travel agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Relationship marketing has grown in importance. This growth affects all industries, including the tourism, hospitality and travel industry. Of particular importance is the bond of relationship marketing between suppliers (principals) and retailers (travel agents) in the distribution channel. The research was undertaken to: determine whether Eastern Cape travel agents perceive relationship marketing as important; establish, what the key elements of relationship marketing strategies are,according to literature; determine what marketing strategies are currently applied by Eastern Cape travel agents; provide guidelines to Eastern Cape travel agents to implement or improve their relationship marketing strategies. Fifty self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the entire population of travel agents in the Eastern Cape. A total of 30 travel agents responded. The empirical findings showed that: Most Eastern Cape travel agents perceived relationship marketing as important; Travel agents realized the importance of the management of such relationship marketing strategies; Most travel agents were aware of or used retention strategies to enhance relationship marketing strategies; Travel agents realized that to survive relationship marketing should be part of their future planning; All respondents believed that to successfully implement relationship marketing, all staff, from front-line to top-management, need to be committed to the programme. In conclusion, relationship marketing is growing in importance and all role players need to acknowledge and manage this trend. However, this research has shown that there is a paradigm shift as more travel agents are moving away from the traditional marketing to relationship marketing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
In marketing, it’s either you have it or you don’t : a study of knowledge and knowers legitimated in the marketing diploma curriculum in South Africa
- Authors: Ncube, Kevin
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Marketing -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Curricula , Marketing -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Vocational qualifications -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172230 , vital:42178 , 10.21504/10962/172230
- Description: This study was undertaken in the South African higher education system in which the differentiation of institutions still reflects racial inequalities from the country’s history of colonial apartheid. As an educator in an institutional type referred to as Universities of Technology, I had become increasingly concerned about who succeeds, how they succeed, who fails, and who drops out. The South Africa education system broadly suffers from low student retention and high drop out with lower success rates mostly affecting Black students. By the end of apartheid in 1994, Black students had been entering Technikons en masse and were the dominant student group in these institutions which changed designation to Universities of Technology in 2005. Technikons offered programmes with a stronger technological and vocational orientation focusing on qualifications directly linked to the job market. They did not offer postgraduate programmes and today, Universities of Technology still produce little research. These institutions also battle with a far lower throughput rate than Traditional Universities and a higher graduate unemployment rate. This has led to a call for better theorised accounts of applied knowledge to replace unhelpful common-sense understandings. There was thus a call in the literature for studies, such as this one, that focused on the nature of knowledge in a diploma curriculum. Furthermore, the field of Marketing is under-researched. The field of Marketing has been characterised as having a weak theoretical foundation and as appropriating knowledge from other fields without growth of the field per se. In Marketing, importance is placed on the possession of a broad spectrum of general knowledge, rather than specialised accounts of the field. The study sought to examine the following research questions: 1) What kind of knowledge is privileged in the Marketing diploma? 2) How does the positioning of actors in the field of Marketing education impact on the choice and structure of knowledge privileged in the curriculum? The study was undertaken mainly through the use of interviews to explore academics’ perspectives on what is valued in the Marketing curriculum. Thirty-one academics from 11 institutions participated in the study. I also analysed course guides and other documentation related to the curriculum. The study analysed the organising of knowledge in the Marketing curriculum. To do this, the study drew on Legitimation Code Theory and in particular the tools of Specialisation and Semantics. These tools allowed the analysis of data to establish the basis on which it is specialised from other fields and the extent to which the field is contextually or conceptually coherent. The data demonstrated that academics who lecture in Marketing entered Marketing education from a diverse range of disciplines. The data also confirmed, in line with the literature, that the field of Marketing draws from multiple disciplines and fields for the purposes of serving the world of work. In Bernsteinian terms the nature of the Marketing curriculum is identified as a ‘region’. However, the data also demonstrated that the field of Marketing serves a heterogenous world of work characterised by constant changes which do not seem to allow a stable development of the field. The field of Marketing was thus portrayed as a region tending towards a generic, raising questions about the reliability of its knowledge base. The nature of generics often leads to an openness which is associated with instability, a weaker autonomy, and an inability to differentiate the field from others with further implications that knowledge in the curriculum is likely to be unsettled. One of the key findings was that while there was significant focus on knowledge, this was not the main basis on which success is achieved. Despite the ample evidence of knowledge in the Marketing curriculum, there was little agreement as to what constituted that knowledge, the actual nature of that knowledge was not settled, broadly agreed upon, nor particularly complex, drawing as it did on ‘everyday’ understandings of the world. The data revealed that there was little evidence that the knowledge was particularly specialised nor that it allowed for cumulative acquisition of ‘powerful knowledge’. Rather, the knowledges in the field of Marketing were characterised by a horizontal knowledge structure consisting of a set of languages acquired separately. The knowledges were based on different and sometimes even contradictory assumptions and thus presented few opportunities to integrate previous theories to build a more powerful knowledge structure. The knowledges tended to be context specific as opposed to being abstract or conceptual. There are social justice implications for fields in which the acquirer is only afforded context specific knowledges and as such has to acquire an endless series of low-level knowledges. They are not given access to powerful knowledge characterised by induction into a system of meaning which enables a more meaningful engagement with the complex world and thinking the not yet thought. In such instances, the education arguably does not provide access to the kind of specialised knowledge which allows for powerful meaning making in the world. The study calls for a strengthening of the epistemic spine of the Marketing diploma to provide access to more abstract, principled knowledge. A major finding was that most of the lecturers’ responses focused on the need for being a particular kind of knower to be successful in Marketing. The kind of person valued in Marketing was portrayed as possessing a particular personality and natural talent which were rarely seen as dependent on the knowledge acquired during the diploma, but rather on the dispositions that students brought. The respondents also mostly raised concerns that most of the students enrolled in Marketing did not to have the requisite ‘Marketing personalities’. Students were expected to be from a particular social class intimated through reference to their backgrounds, the schools they went to, their access to technologies, and the geographical regions they came from. They were expected to bring a particular language competency. Social class and language were arguably also used as coded reference to racial category, and this was more explicitly indicated by some respondents. The dominance of the knower in the data revealed that in Marketing, “you either have it or you don’t” indicating a strong view that Marketers are born with the necessary inherent characteristics of “confidence and people-skills” or belong to the social group that develops them. The implications were that if you do not have it, there is nothing one can do to get . This particular finding raises serious social justice issues on access and success in Marketing. If there is nothing that can be done to develop these characteristics, allowing such people into Marketing is setting them up for failure. On the other hand, denying access based on birth and social grouping raises concerns of the justice in the societies we live in. The study calls for an explicit engagement with the assumptions about the knower’s dispositions. While it was consistently evident that such dispositions were key to the specialisation of the field, the assumption that students either had these dispositions or lacked them is a social injustice and raises a number of unanswerable and painful questions given the racially differentiated success rates. The study concludes by calling for academics to explicitly curriculate for the target dispositions so that students are exposed to the value of these dispositions and given opportunities to engage with them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Ncube, Kevin
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Marketing -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Curricula , Marketing -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Vocational qualifications -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172230 , vital:42178 , 10.21504/10962/172230
- Description: This study was undertaken in the South African higher education system in which the differentiation of institutions still reflects racial inequalities from the country’s history of colonial apartheid. As an educator in an institutional type referred to as Universities of Technology, I had become increasingly concerned about who succeeds, how they succeed, who fails, and who drops out. The South Africa education system broadly suffers from low student retention and high drop out with lower success rates mostly affecting Black students. By the end of apartheid in 1994, Black students had been entering Technikons en masse and were the dominant student group in these institutions which changed designation to Universities of Technology in 2005. Technikons offered programmes with a stronger technological and vocational orientation focusing on qualifications directly linked to the job market. They did not offer postgraduate programmes and today, Universities of Technology still produce little research. These institutions also battle with a far lower throughput rate than Traditional Universities and a higher graduate unemployment rate. This has led to a call for better theorised accounts of applied knowledge to replace unhelpful common-sense understandings. There was thus a call in the literature for studies, such as this one, that focused on the nature of knowledge in a diploma curriculum. Furthermore, the field of Marketing is under-researched. The field of Marketing has been characterised as having a weak theoretical foundation and as appropriating knowledge from other fields without growth of the field per se. In Marketing, importance is placed on the possession of a broad spectrum of general knowledge, rather than specialised accounts of the field. The study sought to examine the following research questions: 1) What kind of knowledge is privileged in the Marketing diploma? 2) How does the positioning of actors in the field of Marketing education impact on the choice and structure of knowledge privileged in the curriculum? The study was undertaken mainly through the use of interviews to explore academics’ perspectives on what is valued in the Marketing curriculum. Thirty-one academics from 11 institutions participated in the study. I also analysed course guides and other documentation related to the curriculum. The study analysed the organising of knowledge in the Marketing curriculum. To do this, the study drew on Legitimation Code Theory and in particular the tools of Specialisation and Semantics. These tools allowed the analysis of data to establish the basis on which it is specialised from other fields and the extent to which the field is contextually or conceptually coherent. The data demonstrated that academics who lecture in Marketing entered Marketing education from a diverse range of disciplines. The data also confirmed, in line with the literature, that the field of Marketing draws from multiple disciplines and fields for the purposes of serving the world of work. In Bernsteinian terms the nature of the Marketing curriculum is identified as a ‘region’. However, the data also demonstrated that the field of Marketing serves a heterogenous world of work characterised by constant changes which do not seem to allow a stable development of the field. The field of Marketing was thus portrayed as a region tending towards a generic, raising questions about the reliability of its knowledge base. The nature of generics often leads to an openness which is associated with instability, a weaker autonomy, and an inability to differentiate the field from others with further implications that knowledge in the curriculum is likely to be unsettled. One of the key findings was that while there was significant focus on knowledge, this was not the main basis on which success is achieved. Despite the ample evidence of knowledge in the Marketing curriculum, there was little agreement as to what constituted that knowledge, the actual nature of that knowledge was not settled, broadly agreed upon, nor particularly complex, drawing as it did on ‘everyday’ understandings of the world. The data revealed that there was little evidence that the knowledge was particularly specialised nor that it allowed for cumulative acquisition of ‘powerful knowledge’. Rather, the knowledges in the field of Marketing were characterised by a horizontal knowledge structure consisting of a set of languages acquired separately. The knowledges were based on different and sometimes even contradictory assumptions and thus presented few opportunities to integrate previous theories to build a more powerful knowledge structure. The knowledges tended to be context specific as opposed to being abstract or conceptual. There are social justice implications for fields in which the acquirer is only afforded context specific knowledges and as such has to acquire an endless series of low-level knowledges. They are not given access to powerful knowledge characterised by induction into a system of meaning which enables a more meaningful engagement with the complex world and thinking the not yet thought. In such instances, the education arguably does not provide access to the kind of specialised knowledge which allows for powerful meaning making in the world. The study calls for a strengthening of the epistemic spine of the Marketing diploma to provide access to more abstract, principled knowledge. A major finding was that most of the lecturers’ responses focused on the need for being a particular kind of knower to be successful in Marketing. The kind of person valued in Marketing was portrayed as possessing a particular personality and natural talent which were rarely seen as dependent on the knowledge acquired during the diploma, but rather on the dispositions that students brought. The respondents also mostly raised concerns that most of the students enrolled in Marketing did not to have the requisite ‘Marketing personalities’. Students were expected to be from a particular social class intimated through reference to their backgrounds, the schools they went to, their access to technologies, and the geographical regions they came from. They were expected to bring a particular language competency. Social class and language were arguably also used as coded reference to racial category, and this was more explicitly indicated by some respondents. The dominance of the knower in the data revealed that in Marketing, “you either have it or you don’t” indicating a strong view that Marketers are born with the necessary inherent characteristics of “confidence and people-skills” or belong to the social group that develops them. The implications were that if you do not have it, there is nothing one can do to get . This particular finding raises serious social justice issues on access and success in Marketing. If there is nothing that can be done to develop these characteristics, allowing such people into Marketing is setting them up for failure. On the other hand, denying access based on birth and social grouping raises concerns of the justice in the societies we live in. The study calls for an explicit engagement with the assumptions about the knower’s dispositions. While it was consistently evident that such dispositions were key to the specialisation of the field, the assumption that students either had these dispositions or lacked them is a social injustice and raises a number of unanswerable and painful questions given the racially differentiated success rates. The study concludes by calling for academics to explicitly curriculate for the target dispositions so that students are exposed to the value of these dispositions and given opportunities to engage with them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
The disciplinarisation and professionalisation of development finance in South Africa
- Authors: Dobbin, Jeremy
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa , Finance -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15270 , vital:28198
- Description: It has not been previously argued whether development finance can or should be regarded as a distinguishable academic discipline in its own right. The main objective of this study was to create an in-depth understanding of the current perceptions and misconceptions of development finance within the South African financial sector, which have not been formally captured or analysed previously. The research is important in determining the magnitude of contemporary interest in, and the emphasis of, development finance as a means of developing society. Furthermore, public perception influences the funding of future development finance research, the emerging theoretical framework and disciplinarity, access to education and training in the subject area, the level of student participation and enrolment in development finance courses and qualifications, as well as the supply of skilled practitioners. To accomplish the research objectives, an extensive literature review was conducted so as to provide a theoretical framework for the empirical study. Subsequently, self-administrable questionnaires were distributed to a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 319 individuals who have decision-making experience within the South African financial sector. Thirty-one respondents completed the questionnaire and the results were examined by means of non-probabilistic frequency distribution and qualitative analysis, where appropriate. Pervasive disagreement was found to exist among the respondents regarding a number of key issues, including the definition and characteristics of development finance, in addition to its pedagogy, professionalisation, and disciplinarity. A substantial majority of respondents agreed that there is a shortage of development finance experts in South Africa and that local universities should begin to offer students an undergraduate degree majoring in development finance specifically. It is recommended that in order for future development finance research, pedagogy, and practice to be more meaningful, greater conceptual clarity and more consistent usage of terminology and subject boundaries should be employed by stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dobbin, Jeremy
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa , Finance -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15270 , vital:28198
- Description: It has not been previously argued whether development finance can or should be regarded as a distinguishable academic discipline in its own right. The main objective of this study was to create an in-depth understanding of the current perceptions and misconceptions of development finance within the South African financial sector, which have not been formally captured or analysed previously. The research is important in determining the magnitude of contemporary interest in, and the emphasis of, development finance as a means of developing society. Furthermore, public perception influences the funding of future development finance research, the emerging theoretical framework and disciplinarity, access to education and training in the subject area, the level of student participation and enrolment in development finance courses and qualifications, as well as the supply of skilled practitioners. To accomplish the research objectives, an extensive literature review was conducted so as to provide a theoretical framework for the empirical study. Subsequently, self-administrable questionnaires were distributed to a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 319 individuals who have decision-making experience within the South African financial sector. Thirty-one respondents completed the questionnaire and the results were examined by means of non-probabilistic frequency distribution and qualitative analysis, where appropriate. Pervasive disagreement was found to exist among the respondents regarding a number of key issues, including the definition and characteristics of development finance, in addition to its pedagogy, professionalisation, and disciplinarity. A substantial majority of respondents agreed that there is a shortage of development finance experts in South Africa and that local universities should begin to offer students an undergraduate degree majoring in development finance specifically. It is recommended that in order for future development finance research, pedagogy, and practice to be more meaningful, greater conceptual clarity and more consistent usage of terminology and subject boundaries should be employed by stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Marketing the Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe: A critical study of selected churches in Harare
- Hove, Charity https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5579-0992
- Authors: Hove, Charity https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5579-0992
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Pentecostalism , Religion and sociology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21167 , vital:47216
- Description: Pentecostalism has spread rapidly worldwide and continues to do so, thereby generating scholarly interest on how much church growth was attained through marketing. In Zimbabwe, it is evident that marketing communication has become an essential part of church activities to attract the society. In the case of Pentecostal churches, both church and marketing activities are interrelated, as seen through the increased usage of digital communication marketing strategies to attract followers, especially on social media. With effective marketing, people can be attached to a church, in the same way, they would be attached to a brand. In this regard, this study therefore examined whether fundamental marketing principles apply to the marketing of Pentecostal religiosity in Zimbabwe - focusing on how the churches, church services or products, and prophets are marketed. The study also explored how such church marketing attributes to the popularity of these churches and how ultimately the church marketing communication affects society. Theoretically, Pentecostal churches can utilise Porter’s Five Forces, Marketing Communication Mix, and AIDA Model to maintain a favourable marketing standing. With the presence of communication technologies and the media, the applicability of these marketing theories is effortless, hence the marketing of Pentecostal churches has flourished. This study used a qualitative research design and was conducted on three Pentecostal churches namely the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, United Family International Church, and Spirit Embassy (The Good News Church) in Harare, Zimbabwe. The data was gathered from the churches’ Facebook pages, websites, and newspaper articles reporting about the churches. In addition, interviews with church marketing personnel from each church, 30 church members and focus group interviews with 30 non-church members residing close to the Pentecostal churches were conducted. The findings reveal that the Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe are actively involved in church marketing and have various marketing strategies as any business entity would. However, the churches’ image and efforts aimed at fulfilling social mandates are tainted by several marketing strategies which are used, especially on digital media. In addition, church marketing has promoted commercialised religion and the Pentecostal fraternity is certainly morphing into businesses at the expense of spirituality and religiosity, which is simply an epitome of secularising the sacred. Furthermore, it was established that the marketing strategies used are influential to target markets, such as church members, and the effects are adverse. Hence, this study recommends regulation of Pentecostal churches and proposes three models that illustrate regulation at government level, collective level, and individual level through policy regulation, collective action, and self-regulation respectively. This will encourage churches to conduct ethical church marketing and protect religious consumers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05
- Authors: Hove, Charity https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5579-0992
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Pentecostalism , Religion and sociology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21167 , vital:47216
- Description: Pentecostalism has spread rapidly worldwide and continues to do so, thereby generating scholarly interest on how much church growth was attained through marketing. In Zimbabwe, it is evident that marketing communication has become an essential part of church activities to attract the society. In the case of Pentecostal churches, both church and marketing activities are interrelated, as seen through the increased usage of digital communication marketing strategies to attract followers, especially on social media. With effective marketing, people can be attached to a church, in the same way, they would be attached to a brand. In this regard, this study therefore examined whether fundamental marketing principles apply to the marketing of Pentecostal religiosity in Zimbabwe - focusing on how the churches, church services or products, and prophets are marketed. The study also explored how such church marketing attributes to the popularity of these churches and how ultimately the church marketing communication affects society. Theoretically, Pentecostal churches can utilise Porter’s Five Forces, Marketing Communication Mix, and AIDA Model to maintain a favourable marketing standing. With the presence of communication technologies and the media, the applicability of these marketing theories is effortless, hence the marketing of Pentecostal churches has flourished. This study used a qualitative research design and was conducted on three Pentecostal churches namely the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, United Family International Church, and Spirit Embassy (The Good News Church) in Harare, Zimbabwe. The data was gathered from the churches’ Facebook pages, websites, and newspaper articles reporting about the churches. In addition, interviews with church marketing personnel from each church, 30 church members and focus group interviews with 30 non-church members residing close to the Pentecostal churches were conducted. The findings reveal that the Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe are actively involved in church marketing and have various marketing strategies as any business entity would. However, the churches’ image and efforts aimed at fulfilling social mandates are tainted by several marketing strategies which are used, especially on digital media. In addition, church marketing has promoted commercialised religion and the Pentecostal fraternity is certainly morphing into businesses at the expense of spirituality and religiosity, which is simply an epitome of secularising the sacred. Furthermore, it was established that the marketing strategies used are influential to target markets, such as church members, and the effects are adverse. Hence, this study recommends regulation of Pentecostal churches and proposes three models that illustrate regulation at government level, collective level, and individual level through policy regulation, collective action, and self-regulation respectively. This will encourage churches to conduct ethical church marketing and protect religious consumers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05
Impact of internet marketing on the profitability of the hospitality sector in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Matikiti, Rosemary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Internet advertising , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investment analysis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Advertising -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/570 , Internet marketing , Internet advertising , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investment analysis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Advertising -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The application of internet marketing techniques has been widespread in the hospitality sector worldwide, with many hotels crafting websites for marketing purposes. However, there is still a debate and speculation on the impact of internet marketing on business performance and profitability. Given the well-recognised value of internet marketing in the hospitality and tourism industry, this study sought to examine the impact of internet marketing on the profitability of the hospitality sector in South Africa and to establish factors which influence internet marketing usage. In order to achieve these objectives, a perceptual survey was conducted in graded hotels and lodges in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Multiple linear regression analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between internet marketing and business profitability as well as the relationship between organisational and environmental factors and internet marketing usage. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that the use of internet marketing can positively influence business profitability. It is also concluded that internet marketing experience moderates the relationship between internet marketing usage and business profitability. The results also indicate that factors such as technological competence, managerial support, level of star grading and alliances significantly influence internet marketing usage. Thus, from the findings of this study, it was concluded that hotels and lodges can enhance their profitability through internet marketing usage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Matikiti, Rosemary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Internet advertising , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investment analysis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Advertising -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/570 , Internet marketing , Internet advertising , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investment analysis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Advertising -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The application of internet marketing techniques has been widespread in the hospitality sector worldwide, with many hotels crafting websites for marketing purposes. However, there is still a debate and speculation on the impact of internet marketing on business performance and profitability. Given the well-recognised value of internet marketing in the hospitality and tourism industry, this study sought to examine the impact of internet marketing on the profitability of the hospitality sector in South Africa and to establish factors which influence internet marketing usage. In order to achieve these objectives, a perceptual survey was conducted in graded hotels and lodges in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Multiple linear regression analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between internet marketing and business profitability as well as the relationship between organisational and environmental factors and internet marketing usage. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that the use of internet marketing can positively influence business profitability. It is also concluded that internet marketing experience moderates the relationship between internet marketing usage and business profitability. The results also indicate that factors such as technological competence, managerial support, level of star grading and alliances significantly influence internet marketing usage. Thus, from the findings of this study, it was concluded that hotels and lodges can enhance their profitability through internet marketing usage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Online marketing of commercial and industrial properties and services in a small business
- Jansen van Rensburg, Charmaine
- Authors: Jansen van Rensburg, Charmaine
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Real estate management -- South Africa -- Marketing , Online information services -- Marketing , Business planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9328 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020988
- Description: In view of the factors influencing and the steps in the design of a Website, building a successful Website will vary from business to business. This study investigates what is required from a small commercial and industrial property and services business to take their business online and create an effective Website. The environment of the property market reflected the role that government plays in the property industry and also the role of the private sector. Marketing in the real estate context indicated that if real estate agents have access to the right type of information, not only can they add value to their own organizations, but they can also capitalize on the same information to create added value for their clients. The elements of the marketing management process include four steps, namely to gather information, to set marketing goals and plan strategy, to organize and implement marketing strategy and to control the marketing activities. Marketing in the online environment showed that the Marketing Mix includes personalisation, privacy, customer services, community, site, security and sales promotion. The principles of online marketing revealed the important role of the customer and customer relationships. An investigation into the difference between e-commerce and online marketing made it clear that online marketing is one component of e-commerce. This study critically analysed the available literature in order to suggest a proposed framework of what should be included in the Website of a small commercial and industrial property and services business. In order to successfully research online marketing of commercial and industrial properties and services in a small business, a basic but thorough understanding of online marketing principles and Website content are important. In this study a qualitative research approach was followed where secondary sources were critically evaluated to design the required framework. Thereafter three Websites of marketing of commercial and industrial properties and services were content analysed to see whether anything else should be added to the framework. This would assist in taking a small business in commercial and industrial properties and services online. The framework suggests that the Website homepage content should include: Business overview/information Products/services What’s new Search Employment opportunities Interactive feedback Customer service/ assistance Index/directory Financial facts Links to other sites Online business services/utilities Guest book Frequently Asked Questions Messages from CEO A purposeful sample of three Websites was then content analysed so as to provide the information necessary to reach the objectives of the study. The following Websites were included in the content analysis: Broll, which operates as a national agency with international associations. The firm renders services (Estate Agency) and does not own property. Bruce McWilliams Industries Pty Ltd is operative in Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and surrounds. It is a family business that owns property, which it develops and markets itself. Seeff is a national agency. It renders services (estate agency) and does not own property. Lastly, a narrative of a small commercial and industrial property and services business was created by means of document analysis of a specific business. The researcher was allowed to study the documents and diaries of the business in order to provide a narrative for this business. This narrative can be used as part of the envisaged Website for the business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Jansen van Rensburg, Charmaine
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Real estate management -- South Africa -- Marketing , Online information services -- Marketing , Business planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9328 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020988
- Description: In view of the factors influencing and the steps in the design of a Website, building a successful Website will vary from business to business. This study investigates what is required from a small commercial and industrial property and services business to take their business online and create an effective Website. The environment of the property market reflected the role that government plays in the property industry and also the role of the private sector. Marketing in the real estate context indicated that if real estate agents have access to the right type of information, not only can they add value to their own organizations, but they can also capitalize on the same information to create added value for their clients. The elements of the marketing management process include four steps, namely to gather information, to set marketing goals and plan strategy, to organize and implement marketing strategy and to control the marketing activities. Marketing in the online environment showed that the Marketing Mix includes personalisation, privacy, customer services, community, site, security and sales promotion. The principles of online marketing revealed the important role of the customer and customer relationships. An investigation into the difference between e-commerce and online marketing made it clear that online marketing is one component of e-commerce. This study critically analysed the available literature in order to suggest a proposed framework of what should be included in the Website of a small commercial and industrial property and services business. In order to successfully research online marketing of commercial and industrial properties and services in a small business, a basic but thorough understanding of online marketing principles and Website content are important. In this study a qualitative research approach was followed where secondary sources were critically evaluated to design the required framework. Thereafter three Websites of marketing of commercial and industrial properties and services were content analysed to see whether anything else should be added to the framework. This would assist in taking a small business in commercial and industrial properties and services online. The framework suggests that the Website homepage content should include: Business overview/information Products/services What’s new Search Employment opportunities Interactive feedback Customer service/ assistance Index/directory Financial facts Links to other sites Online business services/utilities Guest book Frequently Asked Questions Messages from CEO A purposeful sample of three Websites was then content analysed so as to provide the information necessary to reach the objectives of the study. The following Websites were included in the content analysis: Broll, which operates as a national agency with international associations. The firm renders services (Estate Agency) and does not own property. Bruce McWilliams Industries Pty Ltd is operative in Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and surrounds. It is a family business that owns property, which it develops and markets itself. Seeff is a national agency. It renders services (estate agency) and does not own property. Lastly, a narrative of a small commercial and industrial property and services business was created by means of document analysis of a specific business. The researcher was allowed to study the documents and diaries of the business in order to provide a narrative for this business. This narrative can be used as part of the envisaged Website for the business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Relationship marketing in retail banks: superannuated concept?
- Authors: Tait, Madele
- Subjects: Relationship marketing , Banks and banking , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20923 , vital:29418
- Description: All business is based on relationships. The firm only has to make them meaningful for its customers – provided that the customers want this (Grönroos 1994). Relationship marketing concerns the facilitation and managing of the relationships between the business and its customers and was developed as a response to the realisation that businesses were spending vast resources in time and money to attract new customers but very little on retaining existing ones. Relationship marketing is particularly relevant when a customer has alternative service providers to choose from, when the customer makes the selection decision and when there is an ongoing desire or need for a product or service, such as in the banking industry (Morgan & Hunt 1999).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tait, Madele
- Subjects: Relationship marketing , Banks and banking , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20923 , vital:29418
- Description: All business is based on relationships. The firm only has to make them meaningful for its customers – provided that the customers want this (Grönroos 1994). Relationship marketing concerns the facilitation and managing of the relationships between the business and its customers and was developed as a response to the realisation that businesses were spending vast resources in time and money to attract new customers but very little on retaining existing ones. Relationship marketing is particularly relevant when a customer has alternative service providers to choose from, when the customer makes the selection decision and when there is an ongoing desire or need for a product or service, such as in the banking industry (Morgan & Hunt 1999).
- Full Text:
The understanding and adoption of e-finance by small and medium enterprises (SMES)
- Authors: Loleka, Siyasanga
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Small business -- Technological innovations Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22354 , vital:29946
- Description: This study seeks to find out what the understanding and adoption of e-finance is by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study defines the concepts related to efinance namely, e-services and micro-finance and well as other related IT for development concepts. Firstly, the study identifies benefits of adoption and use of efinance as decreased transaction costs, increased access to financial information and increased access to financial products and services. Secondly the barriers to the adoption of e-finance are identified as poor privacy, security and safety; poor IT telecommunications infrastructure; uncertain IT regulatory and policy and low T training and skills. The results produced by the study confirm a high understanding of e-finance amongst SMEs and all benefits and barriers are confirmed except for one, decreased transaction costs. The study recommends that further research be conducted on this benefit as it may no longer be relevant, especially for developing countries. Limitations of the study include the relatively small sample size and snowballing sampling method used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Loleka, Siyasanga
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Small business -- Technological innovations Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22354 , vital:29946
- Description: This study seeks to find out what the understanding and adoption of e-finance is by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study defines the concepts related to efinance namely, e-services and micro-finance and well as other related IT for development concepts. Firstly, the study identifies benefits of adoption and use of efinance as decreased transaction costs, increased access to financial information and increased access to financial products and services. Secondly the barriers to the adoption of e-finance are identified as poor privacy, security and safety; poor IT telecommunications infrastructure; uncertain IT regulatory and policy and low T training and skills. The results produced by the study confirm a high understanding of e-finance amongst SMEs and all benefits and barriers are confirmed except for one, decreased transaction costs. The study recommends that further research be conducted on this benefit as it may no longer be relevant, especially for developing countries. Limitations of the study include the relatively small sample size and snowballing sampling method used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Digital finance and poverty in selected Sub-Saharan Countries
- Dube, Ziphozethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4532-5346
- Authors: Dube, Ziphozethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4532-5346
- Date: 2022-10
- Subjects: Electronic funds transfers , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23347 , vital:57616
- Description: Since the 21st century, digital finance has emerged as a critical enabler and an excellent tool for meeting the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through increasing financial inclusion and poverty reduction. The objective of achieving universal financial access by 2030 has led to recognising that financial inclusion has a significant role in economic growth and poverty eradication. The literature demonstrates that access to finance can affect poverty through access to credit, enabling savings, thereby facilitating intertemporal consumption smoothing. Digital finance is key to unlocking financial inclusion, particularly in developing countries. Building capacity in digital payments is one of the best ways to ensure a faster, better, and more cost-effective way to access financial services. The gender gap in developing countries states that (59% of men were reported to have a bank account in 2014, while 50% of women only had a bank account). Some groups, including women and the rural poor, are financially excluded compared to others. This study applied panel data regression analysis and structural equation modelling to investigate the nature of digital finance, its relationship with poverty and the transmission mechanism from digital finance to poverty in selected Sub-Saharan Countries. The results indicate that remittance is one of the most significant determinants of the use of digital finance in the Sub-Saharan region compared to other determinants of use for digital finance. Regarding the transmission mechanism between digital finance and poverty, the path analysis results suggest that the channel for remittance in the transmission mechanism has a more substantial impact on reducing poverty than savings in the Sub-Saharan region. The study recommends that remittance is essential, but savings are not critical in this digital age. This study contributed to literature by identifying the transmission mechanism between digital finance and poverty. This is beneficial to researchers and policymakers . It provides policy practitioners with a reference point on a model to build upon towards providing solutions to the problem, Sub-Saharan Countries encounter on delivering sustainable and broad-based economic growth. The study concludes by proposing that digital finance, particularly mobile money presents an excellent opportunity to increase access to finance and reduce poverty. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10
- Authors: Dube, Ziphozethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4532-5346
- Date: 2022-10
- Subjects: Electronic funds transfers , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23347 , vital:57616
- Description: Since the 21st century, digital finance has emerged as a critical enabler and an excellent tool for meeting the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through increasing financial inclusion and poverty reduction. The objective of achieving universal financial access by 2030 has led to recognising that financial inclusion has a significant role in economic growth and poverty eradication. The literature demonstrates that access to finance can affect poverty through access to credit, enabling savings, thereby facilitating intertemporal consumption smoothing. Digital finance is key to unlocking financial inclusion, particularly in developing countries. Building capacity in digital payments is one of the best ways to ensure a faster, better, and more cost-effective way to access financial services. The gender gap in developing countries states that (59% of men were reported to have a bank account in 2014, while 50% of women only had a bank account). Some groups, including women and the rural poor, are financially excluded compared to others. This study applied panel data regression analysis and structural equation modelling to investigate the nature of digital finance, its relationship with poverty and the transmission mechanism from digital finance to poverty in selected Sub-Saharan Countries. The results indicate that remittance is one of the most significant determinants of the use of digital finance in the Sub-Saharan region compared to other determinants of use for digital finance. Regarding the transmission mechanism between digital finance and poverty, the path analysis results suggest that the channel for remittance in the transmission mechanism has a more substantial impact on reducing poverty than savings in the Sub-Saharan region. The study recommends that remittance is essential, but savings are not critical in this digital age. This study contributed to literature by identifying the transmission mechanism between digital finance and poverty. This is beneficial to researchers and policymakers . It provides policy practitioners with a reference point on a model to build upon towards providing solutions to the problem, Sub-Saharan Countries encounter on delivering sustainable and broad-based economic growth. The study concludes by proposing that digital finance, particularly mobile money presents an excellent opportunity to increase access to finance and reduce poverty. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10
The effect of marketing capabilities on the competitive advantage of Small Medium and Micro Enterprises in OR Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Mpongwana, Konaye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4105-1536
- Authors: Mpongwana, Konaye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4105-1536
- Date: 2020-01
- Subjects: Market segmentation , Marketing -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20197 , vital:45407
- Description: It is usually understood that the development of technological marketing capabilities by firms provides them with immense opportunities to transform their business practices and strategies, to strategically position themselves in the market and enhance firm performance. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of marketing capabilities (Intellectual capital, marketing strategy and market orientation) on the competitive advantage of SMMEs. Prior research has that early development of marketing capabilities enables firms to achieve competitive advantage. The issue to be attended to will be to identify the connection between the incorrect marketing capabilities and failure of SMMEs, if there is any. Furthermore, a thorough investigation looking at how the reduction of failure of SMMEs can be realised by investigating the marketing capabilities of SMMEs. Quantitative research approach was used in the study, with a population of 200 SMMEs, the Raosoft calculator is also used to calculate the sample size of 100 SMMEs which were used to collect the primary data of the study. Convenience sampling method was used by the researcher. The findings also revealed that SMMEs adopt new and advanced technologies when marketing their products and services. The study recommends that SMME Owners/ Managers should consider spending a higher proportion of their time and money engaging in activities related to marketing throughout the life of their business. Therefore, it has concluded that effective deployment of marketing capabilities can lead to competitive advantage and greater performance. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-01
- Authors: Mpongwana, Konaye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4105-1536
- Date: 2020-01
- Subjects: Market segmentation , Marketing -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20197 , vital:45407
- Description: It is usually understood that the development of technological marketing capabilities by firms provides them with immense opportunities to transform their business practices and strategies, to strategically position themselves in the market and enhance firm performance. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of marketing capabilities (Intellectual capital, marketing strategy and market orientation) on the competitive advantage of SMMEs. Prior research has that early development of marketing capabilities enables firms to achieve competitive advantage. The issue to be attended to will be to identify the connection between the incorrect marketing capabilities and failure of SMMEs, if there is any. Furthermore, a thorough investigation looking at how the reduction of failure of SMMEs can be realised by investigating the marketing capabilities of SMMEs. Quantitative research approach was used in the study, with a population of 200 SMMEs, the Raosoft calculator is also used to calculate the sample size of 100 SMMEs which were used to collect the primary data of the study. Convenience sampling method was used by the researcher. The findings also revealed that SMMEs adopt new and advanced technologies when marketing their products and services. The study recommends that SMME Owners/ Managers should consider spending a higher proportion of their time and money engaging in activities related to marketing throughout the life of their business. Therefore, it has concluded that effective deployment of marketing capabilities can lead to competitive advantage and greater performance. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-01
Assessing a marketing strategy for an engineering consulting company
- Authors: Maliti, Mbulelo Bruce
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Customer services -- Marketing , Consulting engineers -- Customer services -- South Africa , Design services -- Marketing , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8626 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1489 , Construction industry -- Customer services -- Marketing , Consulting engineers -- Customer services -- South Africa , Design services -- Marketing , Project management
- Description: The engineering consulting industry in South Africa witnessed an overwhelming growth before the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The country had a lot of infrastructural development that needed the services of consulting engineers. A lot of people saw the challenge as a business opportunity and started their own consulting engineering companies. The demand for consulting engineering services was high before the 2010 Fifa World Cup; this changed after the completion of projects that were due for the world cup and some had to close or retrench staff due to scarcity of projects. The completion of 2010 Fifa World Cup projects is not the only challenge faced by the engineering consulting sector; government policies such tendering and procurement procedures that do not acknowledge performance, lack of funding etc. It is therefore important that companies look for better ways of gaining competitiveness in order to get more projects. These companies must not only rely on government projects but do marketing on the private sector as well. The purpose of the research is to assess and develop a marketing strategy for Company X Consulting engineers. A literature study on most successful marketing strategies employed by other service oriented companies was conducted. The literature study also comprised of the perception of marketing amongst consulting engineering companies. From the literature study mentioned above; questionnaires were drawn towards the development of a marketing strategy for Company X consulting engineers. The findings of the questionnaires were analysed and recommendation were made for the development of a marketing strategy for Company X.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Maliti, Mbulelo Bruce
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Customer services -- Marketing , Consulting engineers -- Customer services -- South Africa , Design services -- Marketing , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8626 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1489 , Construction industry -- Customer services -- Marketing , Consulting engineers -- Customer services -- South Africa , Design services -- Marketing , Project management
- Description: The engineering consulting industry in South Africa witnessed an overwhelming growth before the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The country had a lot of infrastructural development that needed the services of consulting engineers. A lot of people saw the challenge as a business opportunity and started their own consulting engineering companies. The demand for consulting engineering services was high before the 2010 Fifa World Cup; this changed after the completion of projects that were due for the world cup and some had to close or retrench staff due to scarcity of projects. The completion of 2010 Fifa World Cup projects is not the only challenge faced by the engineering consulting sector; government policies such tendering and procurement procedures that do not acknowledge performance, lack of funding etc. It is therefore important that companies look for better ways of gaining competitiveness in order to get more projects. These companies must not only rely on government projects but do marketing on the private sector as well. The purpose of the research is to assess and develop a marketing strategy for Company X Consulting engineers. A literature study on most successful marketing strategies employed by other service oriented companies was conducted. The literature study also comprised of the perception of marketing amongst consulting engineering companies. From the literature study mentioned above; questionnaires were drawn towards the development of a marketing strategy for Company X consulting engineers. The findings of the questionnaires were analysed and recommendation were made for the development of a marketing strategy for Company X.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An investigation into constraints impacting on small micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) access to finance in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Dlova, Mzwanele Roadwell
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- East London Small business -- Finance -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:783 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003904
- Description: Internationally, in both developed and developing countries, it has been accepted that SMMEs are the backbone and the driving force of economic growth and job creation. In South Africa, SMMEs account for approximately 60 per cent of all employment in the economy and more than 35 per cent of South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Ntsika, 1999:38; Gumede, 2000:67 and Berry et ai, 2002 in Kongolo, 2010:235). SMMEs are often the vehicle by which the lowest income people in our society gain access to economic opportunities. The sector represents 97.5 per cent of the total number of business firms in South Africa and that it contributes 42 per cent of total remuneration. SMMEs account for some 3.5 million jobs and have between 500 000 and 700 000 businesses (Abor and Quartey, 2010:2337). Due to the above-mentioned contribution, the South African government initiated a number of SMME support programmes aimed at promoting, growing and developing the SMME sector. As a result, a number of national government agencies such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Khula Finance Limited, the National Development Agency (NDA), the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and many other national , provincial and local government organizations were established post 1994. However, despite the concerted efforts by government to develop the sector, SMMEs are, after 17 years of democracy, still faced with enormous challenges such as access to markets, information, appropriate technology, finance, to mention but a few. Of the above-mentioned challenges, access to finance is on top of the list of these. This study, therefore, is aimed at investigating external, institutional and internal constraints impacting on SMME access to finance in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal area. The study is also aimed at ascertaining which of the abovementioned constraints have the greatest influence to SMME access to finance. In developing the framework of the study, recent empirical research conducted around the country and internationally on constraints influencing SMME access to finance (Bbenkele, 2007:18; Ganbold, 2008:45; Mahadea and Pillay, 2008:99; Chenesai, 2009:135; Zindiye, 2009:78; Fatoki and Garwe, 2010:2765; Pandula, 2011 :257) was drawn upon. In order to meet the objectives of the study, a simple random sample survey of 50 SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) jurisdiction was conducted. The profile of the SMMEs was very similar to that of other studies that focused on constraints to SMME access to finance. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from SMME owner-managers and a response rate of 60 percent was achieved . The results of the study indicated that the high cost of credit and interest rates and Value Added Tax (VAT) registration were the key external factors that impacted on SMME access to finance. Generally, SMMEs are viewed by lending institutions as high risk category. Therefore, even though interest rates have come down significantly, the cost of credit and interest rates still remain a constraint. The study also found that even though the South African Revenue Services (SARS) has increased the VAT threshold to R1 million (South African Revenue Service, 2007: 29), SMMEs still struggled to register for VAT. With regards to the institutional factors, the study revealed that ineffective support services provided by private and public SMME support agencies, the lack of communication of these services (access to information) and the lack of the subsequent follow-up services were the key constraints to SMME access to finance. The results of the study indicate that those firms with good track record, high annual turnover, sophistication and diverse skills, good credit record, good cash flow, proper financial records, bankable and viable business plans, collateral and registered for VAT were more likely to have access to finance than their counterparts. The main conclusion of the study is that the internal factors turned to have the greatest influence to SMME access to finance. However, there is more to be done by private and public SMME support agencies and lending institutions to address the above-mentioned institutional constraints which have a negative influence to SMME access to finance. It is recommended that more in-depth empirical research be conducted on the support services provided by private and public SMME support agencies in terms of the services that they offer the effectiveness of the services and how these are communicated to potential customers. It is also recommended that training workshops aimed at addressing the intemal constraints identified be conducted. Also recommended is the development and implementation of sector-specific mentoring programmes for the owner-managers. Strategies to improve the awareness of support services provided by SMME support agencies need to be developed. This would ensure the effective use of these services by SMMEs. It is also recommended that SMME support agencies and lending institutions staff be trained in order to better understand and be more responsive to the owner managers' needs. Linkages with tertiary institutions in planning and conducting the training needs to be made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Dlova, Mzwanele Roadwell
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- East London Small business -- Finance -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:783 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003904
- Description: Internationally, in both developed and developing countries, it has been accepted that SMMEs are the backbone and the driving force of economic growth and job creation. In South Africa, SMMEs account for approximately 60 per cent of all employment in the economy and more than 35 per cent of South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Ntsika, 1999:38; Gumede, 2000:67 and Berry et ai, 2002 in Kongolo, 2010:235). SMMEs are often the vehicle by which the lowest income people in our society gain access to economic opportunities. The sector represents 97.5 per cent of the total number of business firms in South Africa and that it contributes 42 per cent of total remuneration. SMMEs account for some 3.5 million jobs and have between 500 000 and 700 000 businesses (Abor and Quartey, 2010:2337). Due to the above-mentioned contribution, the South African government initiated a number of SMME support programmes aimed at promoting, growing and developing the SMME sector. As a result, a number of national government agencies such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Khula Finance Limited, the National Development Agency (NDA), the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and many other national , provincial and local government organizations were established post 1994. However, despite the concerted efforts by government to develop the sector, SMMEs are, after 17 years of democracy, still faced with enormous challenges such as access to markets, information, appropriate technology, finance, to mention but a few. Of the above-mentioned challenges, access to finance is on top of the list of these. This study, therefore, is aimed at investigating external, institutional and internal constraints impacting on SMME access to finance in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal area. The study is also aimed at ascertaining which of the abovementioned constraints have the greatest influence to SMME access to finance. In developing the framework of the study, recent empirical research conducted around the country and internationally on constraints influencing SMME access to finance (Bbenkele, 2007:18; Ganbold, 2008:45; Mahadea and Pillay, 2008:99; Chenesai, 2009:135; Zindiye, 2009:78; Fatoki and Garwe, 2010:2765; Pandula, 2011 :257) was drawn upon. In order to meet the objectives of the study, a simple random sample survey of 50 SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) jurisdiction was conducted. The profile of the SMMEs was very similar to that of other studies that focused on constraints to SMME access to finance. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from SMME owner-managers and a response rate of 60 percent was achieved . The results of the study indicated that the high cost of credit and interest rates and Value Added Tax (VAT) registration were the key external factors that impacted on SMME access to finance. Generally, SMMEs are viewed by lending institutions as high risk category. Therefore, even though interest rates have come down significantly, the cost of credit and interest rates still remain a constraint. The study also found that even though the South African Revenue Services (SARS) has increased the VAT threshold to R1 million (South African Revenue Service, 2007: 29), SMMEs still struggled to register for VAT. With regards to the institutional factors, the study revealed that ineffective support services provided by private and public SMME support agencies, the lack of communication of these services (access to information) and the lack of the subsequent follow-up services were the key constraints to SMME access to finance. The results of the study indicate that those firms with good track record, high annual turnover, sophistication and diverse skills, good credit record, good cash flow, proper financial records, bankable and viable business plans, collateral and registered for VAT were more likely to have access to finance than their counterparts. The main conclusion of the study is that the internal factors turned to have the greatest influence to SMME access to finance. However, there is more to be done by private and public SMME support agencies and lending institutions to address the above-mentioned institutional constraints which have a negative influence to SMME access to finance. It is recommended that more in-depth empirical research be conducted on the support services provided by private and public SMME support agencies in terms of the services that they offer the effectiveness of the services and how these are communicated to potential customers. It is also recommended that training workshops aimed at addressing the intemal constraints identified be conducted. Also recommended is the development and implementation of sector-specific mentoring programmes for the owner-managers. Strategies to improve the awareness of support services provided by SMME support agencies need to be developed. This would ensure the effective use of these services by SMMEs. It is also recommended that SMME support agencies and lending institutions staff be trained in order to better understand and be more responsive to the owner managers' needs. Linkages with tertiary institutions in planning and conducting the training needs to be made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Perspectives on leadership
- Authors: Arnolds, Cecil Ashleigh
- Subjects: Leadership , Industrial management , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21857 , vital:29794
- Description: My fields of study are business management and organizational behaviour (OB). In business management we study how to manage businesses effectively by executing various functions (marketing, finance, human resources management, general and strategic management, purchasing and logistics, public relations management, production and opertaions, information technology management) and management tasks (planning, organising, leading and control) (Bosch, Tait and Venter, 2006).
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Arnolds, Cecil Ashleigh
- Subjects: Leadership , Industrial management , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21857 , vital:29794
- Description: My fields of study are business management and organizational behaviour (OB). In business management we study how to manage businesses effectively by executing various functions (marketing, finance, human resources management, general and strategic management, purchasing and logistics, public relations management, production and opertaions, information technology management) and management tasks (planning, organising, leading and control) (Bosch, Tait and Venter, 2006).
- Full Text: false
The influence of societal marketing on green products consumer awareness in Polokwane City, South Africa
- Authors: Kutama, Zwannda Norman
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Markets-Social aspects , green consumerism , Marketing, Polokwane City -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:62370
- Description: Rapid economic growth has resulted in excessive consumption of natural resources, which has intensified the deterioration of the ecological environment. There have been increasing public and consumer concerns about environmental issues, which has resulted in an increasing demand for green products. Despite these concerns, businesses in South Africa are not adequately utilising the societal marketing concept to influence consumer awareness of green products. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the influence of societal marketing on consumer awareness of green products in South Africa. A survey-based method was used to test a theoretically grounded set of hypotheses. Convenience sampling was used to select respondents for the study and data was collected using a 64-item online questionnaire issued to 410 respondents in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 26.0, was used to analyse data, through descriptive, spearman rank order correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The empirical results revealed that respondents’ perceptions of the items in the 6 P’s marketing scale and the consumer awareness five factor model were positive overall. Results of the reliability test revealed that all the reported Cronbach Alpha values (0.51 - 0.71) were above the recommended guideline value of 0.7, or at least, 0.5 in the early stages of research, an indication that the constructs were reliable. All the means of the constructs seemed reasonable. With the exception of product, the results of the spearman rank order correlation analysis revealed that the correlations between price, promotion, policy and partnership with consumer awareness of green products were practically significant (r = 0.50) and practically visible (0.30). Furthermore, with the exception of product, results of the regression analysis revealed a positive significant relationship between price, place, promotion, policy and partnerships with regard to consumer awareness of green products. This implies that price, promotion, policy and partnership significantly influence consumer awareness of green products. There was no significant difference between gender, age, area of residence and level of income with regard to consumer awareness of green products. With regard to the v level of education, results of the one-way ANOVA revealed a practically visible difference between the means of respondents with high school education and vocational education or its equivalent (d=39), a Bachelor’s (d=46) and Master’s degree or higher (d=42). This is an indication that consumers with vocational education or its equivalent, a Bachelor’s, Master's degree, or a higher qualification, were more aware of green products compared to those with a high school level of education. This research provides valuable insights into consumer awareness of green products in South Africa, with emphasis on the influence of societal marketing on consumer awareness of green products. Thus, there is a need for modern-day organisations to consider societal marketing as one of the organisation's competitive marketing strategies to influence society’s awareness of recent environmental challenges, and the benefits of consuming eco-friendly products. Recommendations with regard to areas for future research are provided in the study. , Thesis (MCOM) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Kutama, Zwannda Norman
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Markets-Social aspects , green consumerism , Marketing, Polokwane City -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:62370
- Description: Rapid economic growth has resulted in excessive consumption of natural resources, which has intensified the deterioration of the ecological environment. There have been increasing public and consumer concerns about environmental issues, which has resulted in an increasing demand for green products. Despite these concerns, businesses in South Africa are not adequately utilising the societal marketing concept to influence consumer awareness of green products. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the influence of societal marketing on consumer awareness of green products in South Africa. A survey-based method was used to test a theoretically grounded set of hypotheses. Convenience sampling was used to select respondents for the study and data was collected using a 64-item online questionnaire issued to 410 respondents in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 26.0, was used to analyse data, through descriptive, spearman rank order correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The empirical results revealed that respondents’ perceptions of the items in the 6 P’s marketing scale and the consumer awareness five factor model were positive overall. Results of the reliability test revealed that all the reported Cronbach Alpha values (0.51 - 0.71) were above the recommended guideline value of 0.7, or at least, 0.5 in the early stages of research, an indication that the constructs were reliable. All the means of the constructs seemed reasonable. With the exception of product, the results of the spearman rank order correlation analysis revealed that the correlations between price, promotion, policy and partnership with consumer awareness of green products were practically significant (r = 0.50) and practically visible (0.30). Furthermore, with the exception of product, results of the regression analysis revealed a positive significant relationship between price, place, promotion, policy and partnerships with regard to consumer awareness of green products. This implies that price, promotion, policy and partnership significantly influence consumer awareness of green products. There was no significant difference between gender, age, area of residence and level of income with regard to consumer awareness of green products. With regard to the v level of education, results of the one-way ANOVA revealed a practically visible difference between the means of respondents with high school education and vocational education or its equivalent (d=39), a Bachelor’s (d=46) and Master’s degree or higher (d=42). This is an indication that consumers with vocational education or its equivalent, a Bachelor’s, Master's degree, or a higher qualification, were more aware of green products compared to those with a high school level of education. This research provides valuable insights into consumer awareness of green products in South Africa, with emphasis on the influence of societal marketing on consumer awareness of green products. Thus, there is a need for modern-day organisations to consider societal marketing as one of the organisation's competitive marketing strategies to influence society’s awareness of recent environmental challenges, and the benefits of consuming eco-friendly products. Recommendations with regard to areas for future research are provided in the study. , Thesis (MCOM) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
The impact of social media marketing on purchase decisions in the tyre industry
- Authors: Ramsunder, Monica
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Social media -- Marketing , Social marketing , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Consumers -- Research -- South Africa , Internet marketing -- South Africa , Social networks -- Computer network resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8601 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1637 , Social media -- Marketing , Social marketing , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Consumers -- Research -- South Africa , Internet marketing -- South Africa , Social networks -- Computer network resources
- Description: Technology and the boom of the internet have encouraged people to connect with each other, share information and build relationships (Stelzner, 2009; 2010) and the social web has presented a new form of communication through social media which allow people to interact and converse with each other (Evans, 2010). This presents marketers with the opportunity to affect consumers purchase decisions through online marketing and social media. This social engagement by consumers has significant impact on marketing activities as marketers need to be aware of the factors affecting consumer’s purchase decision (Evans, 2010). Continental Tyre South Africa (CTSA), a local tyre manufacturer, is embarking on a social media marketing strategy. No other local tyre manufacturer has a presence on social media platforms. As a result CTSA would have first mover advantage. The main objective of the research that follows is to establish if South African tyre purchasers are supportive of social media as an online research tool to learn more about tyre brands. The significance of this research study is that marketing communications has taken on a different dimension with the growth of online market places and the natural step for CTSA is to engage in social media marketing. The literature review revealed that many modern consumers sought peer advice over social networks thus social media has promoted consumer-to-consumer communication and has made it possible for consumers and brands to interact with each other (Mangold and Faulds, 2009). It was concluded that whilst social media marketing presents marketers with a more cost effective form of marketing, further research regarding South African’s online purchasing activities would be required to assess if the time, money and resources required to manage social media marketing for CTSA would be beneficial to the organisation. As a result a qualitative empirical study was conducted by means of a questionnaire. The research elements were broken down into three segments; the internet and social media, consumer-brand engagement and online iv recommendations. The research revealed that social media marketing is an appropriate strategy for CTSA. The main findings further revealed that CTSA would need to engage in an aggressive traditional marketing campaign in order to drive consumers to engage in the social media campaigns. Strategies must include dedicated social media fan pages, online banners, and online advertisements. Based on the research analysis it is recommended that that most appropriate social media platforms for CTSA to launch social media marketing activities are Facebook and Twitter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ramsunder, Monica
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Social media -- Marketing , Social marketing , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Consumers -- Research -- South Africa , Internet marketing -- South Africa , Social networks -- Computer network resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8601 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1637 , Social media -- Marketing , Social marketing , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Consumers -- Research -- South Africa , Internet marketing -- South Africa , Social networks -- Computer network resources
- Description: Technology and the boom of the internet have encouraged people to connect with each other, share information and build relationships (Stelzner, 2009; 2010) and the social web has presented a new form of communication through social media which allow people to interact and converse with each other (Evans, 2010). This presents marketers with the opportunity to affect consumers purchase decisions through online marketing and social media. This social engagement by consumers has significant impact on marketing activities as marketers need to be aware of the factors affecting consumer’s purchase decision (Evans, 2010). Continental Tyre South Africa (CTSA), a local tyre manufacturer, is embarking on a social media marketing strategy. No other local tyre manufacturer has a presence on social media platforms. As a result CTSA would have first mover advantage. The main objective of the research that follows is to establish if South African tyre purchasers are supportive of social media as an online research tool to learn more about tyre brands. The significance of this research study is that marketing communications has taken on a different dimension with the growth of online market places and the natural step for CTSA is to engage in social media marketing. The literature review revealed that many modern consumers sought peer advice over social networks thus social media has promoted consumer-to-consumer communication and has made it possible for consumers and brands to interact with each other (Mangold and Faulds, 2009). It was concluded that whilst social media marketing presents marketers with a more cost effective form of marketing, further research regarding South African’s online purchasing activities would be required to assess if the time, money and resources required to manage social media marketing for CTSA would be beneficial to the organisation. As a result a qualitative empirical study was conducted by means of a questionnaire. The research elements were broken down into three segments; the internet and social media, consumer-brand engagement and online iv recommendations. The research revealed that social media marketing is an appropriate strategy for CTSA. The main findings further revealed that CTSA would need to engage in an aggressive traditional marketing campaign in order to drive consumers to engage in the social media campaigns. Strategies must include dedicated social media fan pages, online banners, and online advertisements. Based on the research analysis it is recommended that that most appropriate social media platforms for CTSA to launch social media marketing activities are Facebook and Twitter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011