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A common currency for countries within the economic community of West African states

  • Authors: Djessou, Oze Marie Pascale
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Economic Community of West African States , Africa, West -- Economic integration , Africa -- Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22027 , vital:29814
  • Description: While the West African sub-region has progressed in its efforts to achieve sustainable development, more intensive efforts are needed to address its developmental constraints. Among these constraints, the fragmentation of the sub-continent into small and landlocked countries remain one of the structural challenges to be faced. For this reason, strengthening regional co-operation and economic integration is a significant part in the improvement of the region’s economic performance. Monetary integration, which involves the use of a common currency within the area, is part of the process of economic integration. This study reflects upon the difficulties experienced by countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) without a common currency to facilitate economic growth and development. The study adopted a descriptive methodology and embarked on a thorough analysis of recent and relevant secondary sources. This was done in order to determine the expected effects of a common currency in the community, as well as to evaluate the viability of a single currency in the area. The findings indicate that there are potential gains expected from the establishment of a common currency in the relevant community of countries. These gains are contingent upon the meeting of a number of preconditions. These conditions include, inter alia, the need for a multidimensional approach to regionalism, the sustainability of the fiscal policy framework in the region and a greater convergence of the ECOWAS economies.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A comparative analysis of the determinants of South Africa bilateral trade flows with the European Union-Southern African development community economic partnership agreement and trade development and cooperation agreement

  • Authors: Mhaka, Simbarashe
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: South Africa -- Economic integration , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration , Southern African Customs Union
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31875 , vital:31857
  • Description: This research dissertation presents the impact of economic size, market size and exchange rate on South Africa’s trade flows with the European Union under the Trade Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA). The Big Five EU members are used to represent the EU trading bloc. The research also examines the effects of economic size, market size and ex-change rate on South African trade flows with members of the Southern African Customs Union and of the European Union in what is called the European Union-Southern African Development Community Economic Partnership Agreement (EU-SADC EPA). The research employs comparative analysis aimed at identifying the differences in the effects of market size, economic size and exchange rate on South Africa’s trade flows with these two trading blocs. The study exploits panel data on international trade of South Africa over the period 2000-’16. A gravity model of trade is used to identify the effect of these three variables on South Africa’s trade flows. The empirical analysis relies on a panel data econometrics framework as an estimation technique for the gravity model of trade between South Africa and the Big Five EU members. This shows the outcomes of the effects of economic size, market size and exchange rate on the trade flows of South Africa in the TDCA. The same technique is applied to estimate the effects of economic size, market size and exchange rate to trade flows of South Africa with the Big Five EU members as well as the other SACU members representing the SADC-EU EPA. In the panel data approach, three models are adopted. These are pooled OLS, fixed effects and random effects that can be estimated. The Hausman tests shows that the random effect is appropriate in the TDCA gravity function and the results indicate a positive relationship be-tween South Africa’s economic/market size and South Africa’s trade flows in the TDCA. In the EU-SADC EPA, the Hausman tests indicated that the fixed effect models are appropriate and the results show a positive relationship between economic size and market size with South Africa’s trade flows in the EU-SADC EPA. However, in the TDCA, the random effect model shows that exchange rate and the trading partner’s market size have a negative outcome on South Africa trade flows. The fixed effect model shows a negative relationship between the exchange rate and South Africa’s trade flows in the EU-SADC EPA. The results also show that it is better for South Africa to trade in the EU-SADC EPA than to remain in the TDCA. This is because the outcomes of economic and market size on South Africa’s trade flows are greater in the EU-SADC EPA than in the TDCA. On the other hand the negative effect of the exchange rate on South Africa’s trade flows is less in the EU-SADC EPA than in the TDCA. The research recommends that policy-makers select trading partners based on the sizes of their markets and economies.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A comparative study of South Africa's vat rate

  • Authors: Pieterse, Marli
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Value-added tax -- South Africa , Value-added tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Taxation -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23049 , vital:30401
  • Description: This treatise compared South Africa's VAT rate to the VAT rate trends of other developing counties (such as Brazil and India), as well as international VAT rate developments. Brazil introduced VAT in 1965 and currently has a multi-dimensional VAT rate system consists of five types of VAT, each type of taxing consumers a t different rate depending on the type of product, the municipality or the consumer's turnover. Brazil's average VAT rate is currently 19%. India moved from an origin-based VAT rate system to a GST rate system in 2017. Their GST system levies VAT on a federal level. as well as a state level and on all interstate transactions. India's GST rates varies depending on the luxurious nature of the supply and their average GST rate is currently 15%. South Africa VAT in 1991 and it comprises of a single-rate VAT system where goods and services of vendors are taxed at 14%, unless the specific goods or services fall under the list of exepted or zero-rated items. South Africa's VAT rate remained unchanged since 1993. Per the research it was noted that despite facing similar political, economical and social dilemmas, developing countries such as India and Brazil changed their VAT rates numerous time since its inception, where South Africa only increased their VAT rate once. Brazil and India furthermore have higher average VAT rates than South Africa, despite correlation with the respective poverty levels indicating otherwise.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A critical analysis of organisational justice in the South African financial service industry

  • Authors: Mrwebi, Viwe
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Organizational behavior , Financial services industry -- South Africa -- Management Intrinsic motivation Employee retention Labor turnover
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33065 , vital:32513
  • Description: Organisational justice has captured the interest of scholars in recent years since it is associated with the perceptions and reactions of an individual, to the presence of fairness in an organisation. It thus captures what an individual feel or evaluates to be, morally correct rather than viewing it to be something prescriptive. This study was aimed at investigating the extent of organisational justice on organisational citizenship behaviour, ethical behaviour and employee retention in the South African financial services industry. A hypothetical model and measuring instrument was developed in order to investigate factors that may influence the organisational justice in the financial services industry. Six independent variables (trustworthiness of management, employee engagement, reward system, organisational transparency, two-way communication and organisational climate) were identified as variables that have the potential to influence organisational justice (mediating variable). It was also hypothesised that organisational justice) has the potential to affect the dependent variables (organisational citizenship behaviour, ethical behaviour and employee retention). Furthermore, nine null-hypotheses were developed to test the relationship between independent, mediating and dependent variables. All these variables were clearly defined and operationalised with various items that were obtained from other measuring instruments or self-developed items. A quantitative research approach followed. This study made use of the non-probability sampling technique, specifically convenient and judgemental sampling, as there is no data base of financial services firms available in South Africa. A purposive sample of 800 respondents was drawn from four provinces in South Africa. Factor and regression analyses were used to test the significance of the relationship between the various independent and dependent variables. The mediating variable of organisational justice was viewed by respondents as a two-dimensional construct, namely procedural-interactional justice and distributive justice. Consequently, intrinsic rewards, extrinsic rewards, organisational transparency and organisational climate were identified as independent variables that could have an impact on the procedural-interactional justice to predict organisational citizenship behaviour and reputable employee retention in the financial services industry. No relationships were identified between trustworthiness of management and employee engagement and procedural-interactional justice. The independent variables, trustworthiness of management, extrinsic rewards and organisational climate, could have an impact on distributive justice to predict organisational citizenship behaviour and reputable employee retention in the financial services industry. No relationships were identified between employee engagement, intrinsic rewards, organisational transparency and distributive justice. The findings of this study have contributed to the body of knowledge in the financial services literature in South Africa, by developing a theoretical model and a measuring instrument of organisational justice in the financial services industry. The antecedents of organisational justice in the financial services industry are not well documented in literature and findings of this study could thus contribute towards closing this gap in literature. The findings of this study could also inform policy formulation to assist with the implementation of organisational justice programmes in the financial services industry. This study provided useful and very practical guidelines to organisations in order to ensure the effective strategising and management of OJ that could enhance their local and global competitiveness and long-term survival.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A critical analysis of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) dispute resolution process

  • Authors: Olivier, Carl Hendré
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: South African Revenue Service , Conflict management Civil procedure -- Trials, litigation, etc Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23011 , vital:30294
  • Description: The SARS dispute resolution process was developed to ensure disputes are resolved in a constitutional manner (i.e. fair, accountable and efficient). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the dispute resolution process adheres to the constitutional requirements as required in terms of section 195 of the Constitution. The study summarised the rules of the dispute process in the various stages (i.e. assessment / discovery stage, objection stage, appeal stage and the litigation stage). The litigation stage was considered to be out of the scope for the study. Using the summary, the significant processes were identified based on set criteria for detailed analysis. The significant processes identified were:Prescribed form and manner, date of delivery and objection against an assessment and extension of time periods, Reasons for assessment, Appeal against rejection of an objection Each of the significant processes was analysed in detail by considering the treatment of the processes in various cases in the courts. Based on the analysis, the following conclusions were reached on the significant processes:Prescribed form and manner, objection against an assessment and extension of time periods – This process was considered to be flawed since the process does not provide for the SARS to be responsible for clerical or processing errors. It was recommended that the taxpayer should not be bound by the set timelines should the SARS issue an assessment which contains clerical or processing errors. It was also noted that there are no set rules when there is evidence of fraud, misrepresentation or non-disclosure of material facts in the case and it was recommended that set rules be included in the rules and the TAA to address the consequences, prescription period and processes surrounding cases where fraud, misrepresentation or non-disclosure of material facts is present. Reasons for assessment – The process was considered to be adequate, however it was recommended that the process be improved by including a set criteria for the SARS to comply with when providing reasons for an assessment to the taxpayer., Appeal against rejection of an objection – The process was considered to be adequate. Based on the findings, the conclusion was drawn that the dispute resolution process is considered to be adequate and constitutional with some reservations.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A critical review of the penalty provisions of the Tax Administration Act

  • Authors: Mavundla, Dineo Shaleen
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: South Africa -- Tax Administration Act, 2011 , Tax administration and procedure Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31808 , vital:31847
  • Description: In previous years SARS faced a challenge of imposing additional taxes and penalties consistently. The Tax Administration Act (TAA) was introduced in order to consolidate the administrative provisions of the various taxation acts and to consistently apply penalty provisions that were previously included in, amongst others, section 75B and 76 of the Income Tax Act and section 60 of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act. The penalty provisions are contained in chapter 15, 16 and 17 of the TAA. These penalty provisions now apply to all tax types, excluding customs and excise. It could be said that the tax system in South Africa is based on an honesty policy. Taxpayers are expected to submit accurate returns. The main purpose of the penalties is to ensure the accuracy of the returns submitted and to avoid loss to the fiscus. The principle found in ITC 14891 is "a relevant factor in the assessment of a penalty is the loss occasioned to the fiscus.". This study critically analyses the administrative non-compliance penalties contained in chapter 15 and the understatement penalties in chapter 16 of the TAA. This was done through literature and case law (where appropriate), to determine what the legislature intends and to test the provisions against the Constitution and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA). It was found that the introduction of the penalty provisions in the TAA have not completely brought about consistency in the application of the penalties. It was 1 ITC 1489 53 SATC 99 at 108. also found that there were instances where penalty provisions were applied incorrectly, either by the system or by tax officials, which consequently added to taxpayers’ administrative burden. The current study proposes this as an unfair application of the penalty provisions as it deviates from the intention of the legislature.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A framework for aligning ICT service providers' products and services to the needs of SME customers

  • Authors: Mhlongo, Sizwe
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Small business -- Computer networks , Business enterprises -- information technology Consumer behavior
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31911 , vital:31861
  • Description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have the potential to enhance economic growth and innovation, create jobs, and stimulate competition in the economy. However, SMEs face several challenges that influence their longevity, growth, and success. Information Communication Technology (ICT) adoption has the potential to alleviate some of these challenges faced by SMEs and to enhance their competitiveness. The adoption and use of ICT can bring benefits in terms of increasing their efficiency, innovation, growth and competitive advantages. However, SMEs are currently not taking full advantage of exploiting the potential of ICT products and services. Mostly, SMEs depend on the advice provided by their ICT service providers regarding the best ICT products and services they should adopt due to the lack of in-house ICT skills and capabilities. This treatise investigates the approach and critical success factors for ICT service providers to align their products and services to the needs of SMEs. To evaluate the conceptual framework that was proposed by this study based on the literature review, an empirical study was conducted among the SME respondents within the Gauteng province of South Africa. The questionnaire used for this study collected data to measure the SMEs’ perceptions on the availability, awareness, usage and the value added by the adoption of ICT products and services and the level of the satisfaction of the ICT needs of SMEs. The findings of this study indicate that gaps and misalignments exist between the ICT needs of SMEs and the ICT service providers’ products and services targeted to SMEs. The major discovery from the conducted empirical study revealed that ICT service providers mostly fulfil only the basic level needs of SMEs such as ICT infrastructure needs but do not fully address the higher level needs such as the digital transformation needs of SMEs. In conclusion, this study recommends that it is crucial for ICT services providers to align their products and services to the needs of SMEs in order to successfully target and market to the SME segment.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A framework for financing public transport infrastructure in South Africa

  • Authors: Nobaza, Lwazi Bruce
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Local transit -- South Africa -- Finance , Urban transportation -- South Africa -- Finance Transportation and state -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22703 , vital:30059
  • Description: South African cities are faced with still challenges of economic and spatial exclusion due to the legacy of apartheid, growing need for housing opportunities, high transport costs, long commuting times between work and home, and poor integration of different modes of public transport. Although there is a strong association between public transport infrastructure investment and socio-spatial transformation, the current backlog of public transport infrastructure and the inability of public funds to address such backlog inhibit spatial transformation and socio-economic integration. Notably, public transport has a potential to expedite spatial transformation and social integration and also stimulate the economy but it is still underfunded. There are numerous alternative and innovative mechanisms that are applied internationally, that can help with financing of public transport infrastructure financing, but few or none have been applied in a South African context. The purpose of this study is to explore alternative funding mechanisms and provide a conceptual framework for that will ensure availability of finances that are critical for financing public transport infrastructure in South Africa. Literature review provides international best practices in the financing of public transport infrastructure that can be replicated in South Africa. This resulted in the identification of six independent variables, namely government funding, external financing, public private partnerships, risk management, property value capture and institutional environment and two intervening variables, namely feasibility and viability. These variables were then utilised to develop a conceptual framework with suggested hypotheses on the financing of public transport infrastructure in South Africa. Primary data was then statistically analysed to test the proposed conceptual framework and hypothesised relationships. The empirical study provides little evidence of significant relationships between dependent variables of the study, namely perceived success of financing public transport infrastructure in South Africa and the independent and intervening variables. However, the study highlights that feasibility and financial viability are preconditions for sustainable investments into public transport infrastructure. These can be only achieved in an investment climate with a conducive policy and legislative framework that does not only protect interests of various investors but also utilises government funding to leverage private sector finance. This will ensure that long term objectives spatial transformation of urban areas is achieved.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A framework to enhance the appreciation and motivation of employees in an automotive factory

  • Authors: Parsons, Paul Benjamin
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Employee motivation , Work ethic Incentive awards Employees|xRating of Motor vehicle industry -- Psychological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23059 , vital:30402
  • Description: Manufacturing in South Africa is constantly under pressure to produce more for less, and the automotive industry is no exception. Well known initiatives like “just-in-time” (JIT) manufacturing; “flexible manufacturing systems” (FMS); and “lean manufacturing”, are some of the strategies that manufacturing adopted to increase productivity. Due to the comparative extremely high capital investments that need to be spent before a single unit is built, manufacturing can only be competitive by exploring economics of scale; in doing this, manufacturers recoup capital outflow and start showing profit. Should this require that an employee be treated in the same way: used as an input into the production process? Human capital theory has been around for many decades, proclaiming that employees are more than just labourers. Gone are the days when work was an exchange between labour and money. Both parties demand more from each other. Employers want more commitment, efficiency and flexibility; employees, on the other hand, want more autonomy, purpose and appreciation. Employees are a company‟s biggest assets if treated and motivated correctly. Employee motivation is not a new concept – theorists and likeminded people have tried to dissect and understand the topic over millennia. It seems, however, that whenever a theory is formulated people‟s perception changes (almost like trying to hit a moving target). Some theorists claim that a totally new rule set is required to motivate employees in the information age. The bottom line seems to be that in order for companies to gain advantage from human capital, the area-specific motivational environment needs to be understood. Only when this is accomplished, can policies and incentives be aligned, resulting in a more committed, efficient and flexible employee. It is therefore imperative for an employer to understand both what motivates his or her employees, and what these employees recognise as appreciation.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A model for smart factories in the automotive sector

  • Authors: Leo, Jo-Anne Ronell
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Internet of things , Manufacturing processes -- Automation Labor supply -- Effect of technological innovations on Cloud computing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22531 , vital:29997
  • Description: The manufacturing industry is on the brink of transformation, with smart factories and digitalisation at the forefront. New challenges such as globalisation, cost pressure and consumer demands are imminent in the current environment. In order to overcome these challenges, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 has emerged. Industry 4.0 promotes the computerisation of manufacturing facilities and emphasises an end-to-end digitalisation of physical resources and integration of processes through the entire value chain. The smart factory, a component of Industry 4.0, is a self-organised, modular, highly flexible and reconfigurable factory that enables production of customised products at low cost, therefore maximising profitability. Manufacturing processes are driven by technologies such as cyber-physical systems, big data, collaborative robots and the Internet of Things. This allows autonomous communication throughout the value chain between machine-to-machine and human-to-machine. Organisations consider automation and technology as strategic business tools which are used to increase short and long term profits and realise operating objectives. In contrast, the implementation of automation and technology in the workplace raises labour concerns, fear of layoffs and redundancies among the workforce. This unease, in turn, influences the employees’ attitude towards technology which could lead either to its acceptance or refusal thereof. The purpose of this research is to enhance the understanding of smart factories in the automotive industry by conducting a systematic analysis of the factors which influence the attitude of those involved towards a smart factory implementation. This study focuses on the perceptions among employees and management. The research is an quantitative study consisting of a literature review of the key concepts related to Industry 4.0, smart factories and technology-acceptance theories. The empirical study consisted of surveys completed by management and employees of one of the automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), in South Africa. The questionnaire used in this research consists of questions regarding demographic data and questions regarding the perception of change and factors influencing the attitudes towards the acceptance of technology within the OEM. To summarise the data into a more condensed form which could simplify the identification of patterns in the data, descriptive statistics were used. Inferential statistics were used to validate if the conclusions made from the sample data could be inferred to a larger population. Various factors influence the perception about ease of use and usefulness, which then in turn influences the attitude and the intention to use technology. These factors have been examined by numerous authors in the technology acceptance literature. Recommended factors based on the statistical analysis of the questionnaire results were identified. A model identified the following factors as having an influence on the Attitude towards the Positive Impact of Smart Factories within the OEM: Skills and Training, Individual Characteristics, Trust, Organisational Culture, Resources and Costs and Job Security. The importance of each factor was identified to understand its function in how to improve the implementation of smart factories. This research suggested improvements for the automotive OEM based on the statistical analysis of the survey results. Inconclusive results were indicated on three variables and these should be improved, namely, Organisational Culture, Job Security and Security and International / National Standards. Two sub-groups were defined by different job levels and different perceptions were found concerning the factors that were measured. People at different job levels in the OEM perceived medium to large significant differences in all the factors comprising the proposed model of the Attitude towards a Smart Factory. The smart factory model developed in this study specified the factors which influence the Attitude towards a Smart Factory within the automotive sector and the effect these factors have on technology acceptance.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A performance management model for organisational performance excellence in the South African railway industry

  • Authors: Mtati, Tabisa
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Performance -- Management , Success in business -- South Africa Railroads -- South Africa -- Track
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33043 , vital:32501
  • Description: The South African railway industry has seven times more of labour productivity than its counterparts within Sub-Saharan Africa. Though, when compared to countries in Europe, the United States of America, and China, the South African railway industry is non-competitive. The National Railway Safety Regulator of South Africa (NRSR) has been gradually considering novel ways of measuring organisational performance which encompass a broad approach that goes beyond infrastructure. To that end, a business excellence model adoption is proposed for an integrated agile performance management system. Performance management is viewed as a method that involves measuring goals against a set of standards within an organisation so as to evaluate whether or not the intended objectives have been (successfully) accomplished. Management quality systems (MQS) is one seamless system which integrates the Individual Performance Assessments, ISO-Systems, and Total Quality Management (TQM) in order to achieve the operational distinction in pursuit of the organisational performance excellence. Similarly, organisational excellence is continuous efforts made to build an internal framework of standards and processes intended to involve and motivate employees to deliver products and services within organisational expectations. Various business excellence models, such as the European Framework of Quality Management (EFQM), Common Assessment Framework (CAF), Malcolm Bridge National Quality Awards (MBNQA), International Standard Organisation (ISO) 9000/1/4 and South African Excellence Models (SAEM) have been proposed as continuous improvement (CI) tools. Embedded within these frameworks are areas such as leadership, strategic planning, total quality human resources management, CI, communications, culture, process management and organisational results. Even though attention has been paid to quality performance management in literature, limited empirical research has been conducted on the impact of these models to organisational performance in the railway industry. Moreover, few studies have been conducted to investigate this within the South African context. In this study, the difference in perceptions regarding the envisioned model will be measured to determine the level of employee awareness on quality management. Secondly, the impact of the implementation of MQS factors on organisational performance is investigated to determine critical success factors. Lastly, the barriers to effective MQS implementation are explored and discussed. The study focuses on enablers (i.e. leadership, strategy planning, total quality human resources management, CI, communications, culture and process management) and their impact on organisational performance. An empirical survey has been conducted in this study to examine the influence of the identified factors on business performance. In order to measure the impact of the above factors on improving of organisational performance, the MQS model has been used. The data collected has been statistically analysed using descriptive statistics, correlational relationships and regression analysis. The results of the study indicate that the MQS is useful and effective for the improvement of organisational performance in pursuit of organisational excellence. Furthermore, the critical success factors that, when prioritised, will directly influence organisational performance have been identified. Also, all the measured factors are correlated with organisational performance. It has been proven that though there are signs of implementation of MQS, the employees have not yet owned the process and do not implement quality practises in their daily operations. It is recommended that for future studies a more representative sample be sought in order to validate the relationship between strategy planning; communication and organisational performance, and the overall impact of implementing of MQS in the rail industry.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A performance metric system for the long-term sustainability of a multi-national enterprise

  • Authors: Buyers, John Ian
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: nternational business enterprises , Business enterprises -- Finance Sales management Marketing -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23526 , vital:30575
  • Description: The purpose of this Qualitative research was to determine the metrics required to define the Long-Term Sustainability of a Multinational Enterprise (MNE). The study investigated and analysed how the individual subsidiaries of a listed organisation interpreted LTS and what measurements (metrics) were the most important in supporting this long-term approach. The research analysed questionnaires administered to managers from different disciplines within the organisation. This process sought to accumulate a set of responses and through the statistical analysis of these responses, in particular, extensive qualitative research was used to find a common thread of relevant metrics, which can be used presently and in the future to determine LTS. The researcher reviewed models and the literature to establish a set of questions for the construction of individual questionnaires. This was based on current theory combined with institutional knowledge and experience. The questionnaires were designed to provoke responses from management of their view of the important contributors to LTS. The individual questionnaires (Annexures I to VIII) comprised a series of focused questions and multiple-choice answers based on either 5 or 10-point Likert scales and a few open-ended questions. The main respondents were VPs, MDs, OMs, Human Resource Managers, Financial Managers, and Sales and Marketing Managers of the subsidiaries within the MNE. These “At the heart of an excellent manufacturing business rests the efficiency of its operations, the commitment of the people who manufacture the products, the level of motivation of the workforce, the passion of its salesforce and the innovation shown by its engineers” respondents were all best suited to answer questions at the required level of expertise, when taking into consideration the LTS of the organisation. The data obtained from the research was used to devise suggested scorecards that may be used as guidelines for current and future initiatives when considering LTS. Qualitative research methods were used in this research as they seek understanding of “how things work in particular contexts”. This allows for the building of new theory and the conceptual advancements of knowledge, starting with very general concepts which, as the research progresses, change their definition (Brannen, 2016). In qualitative research, researchers use themselves as the instrument, attending to their own cultural assumptions as well as to the data. to achieve imaginative insights into the respondents’ social worlds. (McCracken, 1988). Concepts and categories are relevant to qualitative research. as quantitative research is an exercise in analytical induction.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A risk based engineering maintenance and spare parts planning model for a generic pharmaceutical company in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Fourie, Gerhard Claris
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Engineering maintenance Engineering repairs
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29838 , vital:30784
  • Description: The Pharmaceutical Industry is facing substantial challenges due to the continuous evolving world of technologies, global competitiveness, price regulation, environmental and safety requirements. In this environment asset maintenance evolved and became increasingly important in business over the last couple of decades. Traditionally industry favoured a reactive maintenance strategy but over the years changed to proactive maintenance strategy due to the advancement of technology and skills of maintenance personnel. With increasing automation and mechanisation, production processes are becoming highly complex and the cost associated with asset maintenance has increased consistently over the decades. Studies have shown that about 15-70% of production costs can be attributed to asset maintenance and one-third of maintenance costs are wasted due to inefficiencies in planning. Furthermore, the selection of an effective maintenance strategy is a challenge due to maintenance output that is difficult to measure and quantify. This treatise will investigate the application of a risk based strategy on asset maintenance planning and spare part management of a pharmaceutical company and compare it to best practices. The theory of risk analysis was reviewed and risk analysis pertaining to maintenance planning and spare part management in the Pharmaceutical industry explored. Questionnaires were sent to selected engineering and relevant departments in order to analyse the challenges and good practices in the company relating to spare part management and maintenance planning. A risk based model for the pharmaceutical company was developed after the information gathered in the research. The recommendations were made in a practical approach by presenting the solution in the form of a flow chart. This model will enable the Maintenance Managers, Inventory Managers and Maintenance Planners to identify critical equipment, optimise maintenance schedules and plan spare parts purchasing more accurately.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A service delivery framework to unlock the revenue potential of the SME segments of commercercial banks in South Africa

  • Authors: Mahlati, Mphenduli Mncedi
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Small business -- Finance , Financial services industry -- Information technology Banks and banking Technological innovations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31633 , vital:31639
  • Description: Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) are a vital driver to the world economy. They provide more than 60% of overall employment globally and approximately 80% of jobs in developed economies. This segment however remains underserved by banks who have struggled to serve SMEs effectively. Nevertheless banks are still perfectly placed to capture the needs of SME customers and to provide them with greater value adding services that address their needs. However, this must be done in a cost-effective manner to ensure long-term portfolio and banking profitability. SME Banking faces several challenges centred on the high cost to serve and profitability. For the banking sector to overcome these challenges and still meet increasing and changing customer needs, significant investment in digital technology is required. The literature reviewed identified that in order to unlock the revenue potential embedded within the SME segment; banks need ground-breaking solutions to solve their revenue and profitability conundrum. This study mentions that such solutions will need to be focused around placing banks as market enablers, by way of providing SMEs with a growth platform and not just financial transaction services. The study also identified a hybrid service delivery model and a digital ecosystem approach to SME banking as being pivotal to unlocking the revenue potential embedded within the segment. Through a digital ecosystem approach, banks can leverage their intra and inter banking network to assist SMEs to grow their businesses. In the process, this will serve as a way of increasing penetration into this underserved segment. In addition, such an approach to banking necessitates an acceptance of how interconnected business relationships have the capacity to enable business growth and subsequently to address SME banking risk. To also consider that banks in South Africa continue to view SMEs as being too risky and costly to serve. This study attempts to address this perceived riskiness by presenting a service delivery framework, which consists of key factors that would influence the revenue potential of the SME segments of Commercial Banks in South Africa. The empirical part of the research evaluated banking official’s awareness and understanding of key concepts that is likely to influence their views with regards to the revenue potential of the SME market.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Agricultural development and emerging small-scale farmers in Mbizana Local Municipality

  • Authors: Nxitywa, Nosithembiso
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small --South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33726 , vital:33006
  • Description: The agricultural sector is among one of the sectors that contribute to the economy of the country, in job creation and food security to mention a few aspects. The Eastern Cape Province is one of the poorest provinces in the country where most people depend on small-scale agriculture as their major source of livelihood, particularly in the rural areas. This is mainly due to the challenges of poverty and unemployment. Small-scale farming is a key activity to eliminate poverty and unemployment. However, mainly obstacles prevail and this includes access to markets, support and skills development. This research study aims to investigate the sustainability of small-scale farmers. The data was collected by means of in depth interviews from Mbizana local Municipality. A total of 12 respondents were selected as a sample for this investigation as well as ensuring that data quality is attained. Causal layered analysis was used to analyse the results. The results indicate that small-scale farmers are faced with several challenges which include, finance, skilled contractors and land ownership. Furthermore, it is evident that small-scale farmers are struggling to obtain a sustainable economic return. Farmers can participate in high-value markets by obtaining the required food safety certifications, which otherwise would be inaccessible to them individually but as groups or cooperatives to enhance them to easily access markets. In local informal markets, for instance, smallholders often find their prices undercut by produce that informal traders buy from large-scale commercial farmers. Supermarket chains, on the other hand, provide a lucrative niche market for smallholders but these downstream linkages are limited to smallholders that meet product variety and quality standards.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An analysis of systemic risk in the South African banking sector

  • Authors: Johnson, Clifford
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Risk assessment -- South Africa , Finance -- South Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa Financial risk management -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30551 , vital:30959
  • Description: The topic of systemic risk has gained prominence over the last three decades, however, renewed interest and discourse on the subject has increased significantly since the global financial crisis of 2007. This dissertation investigates the impact systemic risk has on the South African banking sector and the externalities borne amongst the largest constituent banks during periods of distress. By means of quantile regression, the delta conditional value at risk (ΔCoVaR) as introduced by Adrian and Brunnermeier (2008), banking institutions are ranked according to their systemic risk contributions at horizontal and vertical levels. Using weekly observations from 25 January 2008 until 28 July 2017, the empirical results reveal that a loose link exists between an individual bank’s risk and its systemic contribution. Furthermore, during periods of distress, larger banks contribute the most to systemic risk of the system. However, horizontally – amongst banks – size does not automatically imply systemic importance. The implications of the results, given the study, highlight that regulation of banks at an individual level does not imply that an institution is operating systemically prudent. Furthermore, regulation of banks is welcomed in order to address systemic risk of an institution; however, regulators should be mindful of the vertical and horizontal aspects of systemic externalities.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An assessment of Organisational Culture at an Information and Technology Company during a period of change

  • Authors: Nzimande, Prosper Thelumusa
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Organizational change , Corporate culture Organization -- Research Customer relations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22935 , vital:30150
  • Description: Orientation: Change is inevitable, yet many organisational change efforts are not successful due to the culture of the organisation not supporting change. As a result,change objectives are not met and employees are left with a poor change experience. Research objective: The main objective of the study was therefore to determine the extent to which the organisational culture of a selected South African Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) organisation was ready for change, and supported goal alignment, team work, a customer focus and employee talent optimisation to attain desired Change Outcomes. Research design: The study adopted a quantitative method using a random sample method and survey as the data collecting instrument, which was administered to employees at a selected ICT organisation. Factor analysis resulted in a refinement of the initial cultural elements investigated. Main findings/results: The results revealed that the ICT organisation did reflect a customer orientation, change readiness, collaboration for continuous improvement and an environment that enabled performance, but that there was room for improvement. The results indicated that the respondents had doubts about whether the Change Outcomes were attained. All the cultural factors correlated positively with each other and positively correlated with Change Outcomes. A significant positive link was found between Collaboration for Continuous Innovation and Change Outcomes. Practical/managerial implications: Organisational change requires much effort from senior leaders, managers and employees and it is therefore more likely that, during change, attention will be focused on operational changes rather than on organisational culture. However, the study demonstrated that culture in general is very important, as it influences behaviour and provides identity to employees, and that culture is especially important during a period of change. During a period of change, culture can either enhance or hinder change. In addition, change often implies a change in culture. The study showed that during a period of change, team work is very important and that opportunities must be created for sharing ideas, collaboration and stretching goals, thus for innovation, and for finding better ways to serve customers.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An assessment of the extent to which community based planning is effectively used to identify viable and sustainable local economic development projects as part of municipal integrated development planning in Buffalo City Municipality

  • Authors: Ngamlana, Mncedi
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22857 , vital:30111
  • Description: The aim of this study is to investigate public participation mechanisms employed by Buffalo City Municipality and the extent to which these mechanisms influence municipal planning. The study highlights the extent to which the municipality’s development processes and programs are informed by the views of its citizens. This study also provides some useful insights into the extent to which the municipality is complying with legislative requirements for public participation in community-related projects. The approach was designed to respond to two major challenges that were identified at the time, namely: An analysis of the institutional challenges in attempts to promote sustainable livelihoods; and a realisation that decentralisation has concentrated on local government itself and has limited impact on citizens. The research methodology used is both qualitative and quantitative. Furthermore, face-to-face interviews were conducted in order to provide an accurate presentation of information (Leavitt and Bahrami, 1998),. The study revealed that a lack of an integrated approach to planning and program implementation between different departments within BCM even though these should essentially be planning and implementing in one accord. Community based planning (CBP) is one way in which municipalities encourage ward communities to participate in planning with an intended intention that the ward-based plans will feed into bigger strategies of the municipality. What had been uncovered through this study is that in BCM, CBP is not done, and therefore does not influence the development of the IDP and the LED strategy. This means that there is little meaningful community participation in BCM in the development of the IDP and the LED strategy, and therefore the municipality has no guarantee that its development initiatives are targeted towards the real needs of its citizens. Also, the study revealed that ward communities in BCM have no direct influence or control over their own development and over development priorities that are budgeted for by the municipality.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An institutional framework for expanding into Africa: a focus on global multinational companies

  • Authors: Dipha, Lazola
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: International business enterprises -- Management , Globalization -- Economic aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29984 , vital:30804
  • Description: Global multinational companies (MNCs) continue to face unique challenges in expanding into African emerging markets (AEMs). The biggest contributor to this is their lack of understanding and unwillingness to embrace the exceptional dynamics that exist in these countries, which has resulted in the majority of them defaulting to execute their own country’s domestic market strategies, resulting in failure to realise sustainable businesses. A misaligned and inappropriate strategy will fail dismally in terms of long-term sustainability of businesses. Urban & Hwindingwi (2016) took a diverse view in evaluating emerging markets, which will also be implemented in this study. They argued that “[they] see these features of emerging markets as symptoms of underlying market structures that share common, important and persistent differences from those in developed economies. Emerging markets reflect those transactional arenas where buyers and sellers are not easily or efficiently able to come together. The institutional voids make a market ‘emerging’ and are a prime source of the higher transaction costs and operating challenges in these markets”. “Market structures are the products of idiosyncratic historical, political, legal, economic and cultural forces within any country. All emerging markets feature insti-tutional voids, however, although the particular combination and severity of these voids varies from market to market”. In the previous years, corporate leaders and investors globally have pinned their hopes on the African growing story of promise becoming a reality. With a youthful, urbanising inhabitants, plentiful natural resources and a rising middle class; it looks like the continent has the correct components required for long-standing growth, possibly outshining the so-called tiger economies of East-Asia a generation ago. According to the McKinsey Global Institute titled Lions on the Move 2010 report; they forecasted consumer spending within the continent to grow by 40% and move GDPs by $1 trillion between 2008 to 2020. However, there are plenty multinationals that have become disheartened in their pursuit of operating in Africa.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An integrated talent-management approach for competitive advantage at a selected company

  • Authors: Maxongo–Banzana, Ayanda
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Employees -- Recruiting , Organizational effectiveness Personnel management Career development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31995 , vital:31907
  • Description: This study aims to explore the concept of talent management that has received attention since a group of McKinsey Consultant coined the phrase “the War for Talent” in 1997. In the 21 century, businesses are continually confronted with pressure of aligning employee talent with broader organizational strategies. This research explores key interventions and activities in order to get a better understanding of best practices and approaches to managing talent. The specific contribution of this treatise is developing a talentship model to enable integrated approach to managing talent in order to achieve competitive advantage at Company X. Through a single case study approach, this study examines the current talent management approach at Company X, and the author develops an Integrated Talent management model, named “The Max- Banz Talentship House Model” to address key challenges confronting the company from a talent management perspective in order to achieve competitive advantage.
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  • Date Issued: 2018
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